Apparel

Never heard of Etsy? Time to start paying attention to the 10-year-old company that defines its value proposition as connecting people and reimagining commerce.

The unique online marketplace, where you can buy hand-knitted baby shoes or a vintage night light with Elvis Presley’s face on it, has filed for a sure-to-be-closely-watched $100 million public offering.

Mahwah, N.J. - Ascena Retail Group Inc. has named board member Randy L. Pearce to the newly created role of lead independent director. As lead independent director, Pearce will preside at executive sessions of the independent directors, will serve as liaison between the independent directors and the chairman of the board and between the independent directors and senior management, and will call meetings of the independent directors.

San Jose, Calif. – This winter has not only frozen roads and roofs, but also had a chilling effect on retail sales. According to the monthly Retail Performance Pulse from RetailNext, there was a 10.4% year-over-year decrease in sales on a 12.5% decline in traffic at brick-and-mortar stores for the retail month of February (Feb. 1-28).

Bealls Inc., the 100-year-old Florida-based department store retailer, is developing a specialty store concept, called Bunulu, which will debut by the end of 2015.

Pittsburgh – American Eagle Outfitters Inc. soared past Wall Street expectations in the fourth quarter, helped by reduced promotions and discounts and the elimination of asset impairments. The teen retailer on Wednesday posted better-than-expected fourth quarter results and issued an upbeat outlook for the first quarter, projecting earnings of $0.09 to $0.12 per share, versus analysts' estimates of $0.07 per share.

Despite its frumpy name, Dressbarn is turning out to be quite the digital innovator in the apparel category after launching an omnichannel offering called Dressbar.

The Dressbar pop-up shop within Dressbarn stores and on dressbarn.com will feature digital components and dresses that have "a story." Dressbarn says it believes that every dress has a story, and the store will honor its heritage while creating a compelling destination for new dress stories to begin.

New York -- Women’s apparel retailer Dressbarn is thinking omnichannel with the launch of both a digital and in-store experience, called Dressbar, focused on exclusive designer collaborations with notable names in fashion.  

Beginning March 5, the collection will be available to shoppers at Dressbarn stores, and online at dressbar.com. In addition, the retailer is opening a Dressbar pop-up shop In New York City, at 102 Fifth Avenue.

New York -- Bealls Inc., the 100-year-old Florida-based department store retailer, is developing a specialty store concept, called Bunulu, which will debut by the end of 2015.

The new banner, which already has its own website, Bunulu.com, will target a younger demographic, and feature coastal-inspired active lifestyle apparel and accessories for both men and women. National brands will be featured.