Apparel

New York -- Fast-growing VF Corp. continues its aggressive expansion. After opening 75 stores in the fourth quarter, the company plans to open a total of 150 stores this year.

VF, whose banners include Timberland, The North Face, Vans, Wrangler, Lee and Nautica, has long been known for selling products through other retailers. But in recent years it has stepped up its direct-to-consumer business via aggressive store expansion, and the channel is steadily accounting for a larger percentage of sales.

New York -- On Valentine’s Day weekend and continuing into the following week, cold temperatures will hold a grip on virtually all markets from the Rockies to the East Coast of North America, with most markets trending much below normal, according to business weather intelligence firm Planalytics. The cold will drive winter clearance sales while limiting demand for spring seasonal categories.

Puerto Rico is home to many retailers’ most productive units and now Saks and Nordstrom are looking to get in on the action when they open their first locations next month in the island’s new Mall of San Juan.

The mall is set to open March 26, two and a half years after breaking ground, and will contain a 138,000-sq.-ft. Nordstrom and a 100,000-sq.-ft. Saks. The property also includes a hotel and a casino.

New York -- Saks Fifth Avenue will open its first store in Puerto Rico. The 100,000-sq.-ft., multi-level store opens in conjunction with the Mall of San Juan on March 26.

“There is great opportunity in San Juan – the demand for luxury retail from locals and tourists is thriving,” commented Marigay McKee, president of Saks Fifth Avenue.

Retail sales will accelerate in 2015 and grow at the fastest pace since 2011, according to a recent forecast from the National Retail Federation.

The trade group said Retail sales (excluding automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) will increase 4.1% in 2015, up from 3.5% in 2014. The increase would mark the biggest annual growth since 2011 when retail sales for the year increased 5.1%. Non-store sales in 2015 are expected to grow between 7% and 10%.

Hudson, Ohio -- Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores has named a 25-year retailing veteran, former Shopko exec Jill Soltau, as president, CEO and a member of the board, effective March 2. She succeeds Jim Kerr, who has served as interim CEO since August when Travis Smith stepped down. Kerr will continue as executive VP and CFO.

Interest in basketball heats up in February with the NBA playoffs around the corner and March Madness set to soon begin. To capitalize on the action, Foot Locker is out with a new spot featuring Kyrie Irving as part of its, “It Must Be February,” campaign.

The 30-second spot, titled "Acting," also stars Ice-T and opens with Irving showing off his latest KYRIE 1 signature Nike kicks, noting that fresh colors will be debuting at Foot Locker stores nationwide throughout the month of February. 

Los Angeles -- Stitch, a new concept in clothing alterations and design services, has opened a flagship in West Hollywood, California, with plans to expand across the nation.  

The store combines a comfortable atmosphere, quality tailoring, a fast turnaround and real-time text/email updates on garment progress. It also features a lounge decorated with for-sale paintings by local artists, and a rotating pop-up boutique with clothing for sale.