Apparel

Saks Off 5th has launched its online store, saksoff5th.com. It joins a list of closeout retailers that are getting comfortable in the e-commerce market. The online store will offer up to 55% off merchandise year-round.

Columbus, Ohio — DSW Inc., Designer Show Warehouse has announced two new store openings, one in Baltimore, and another in Lafayette, La.

DSW operates 385 stores in 42 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

Plano, Texas – Shares of J.C. Penney Company took a beating on Friday after the retailer priced its $932 million share sale at a 7.4% discount and detailed its shrinking cash position.  

Penney priced its sale of 84 million shares at $9.65, down from a closing price of $10.42 on Thursday.

The new offering should raise more than $800 million. According to Reuters, J.C. Penney, which is valued at $2.6 billion, had been considering issuing new stock shares as well as other unspecified alternatives.

Mobile retail apps are nothing new, but retailers are constantly adding new features and functions that maximize their reach and value. Here’s a brief look at five cool mobile retail apps that have all been launched or piloted in the past few months:

Amazon.com Mobile Associates API

Indianapolis – The Finish Line posted increases in net income, net sales and same-store sales during the second quarter of fiscal 2013. Net income totaled $26.19 million, up 6.1% from about $24.44 million a year earlier.

Consolidated net sales were $436 million, up 13.3 % from $385 million in the same quarter the previous year. Same-store sales rose 0.9%.

Mashnatucket, Conn. -- Foxwoods Resort Casino is reportedly building a 300,000-sq.-ft. retail center that will house outlet shops. According to the Associated Press, Foxwoods is partnering with Tanger Factory Outlet Centers Inc. to create a Tanger Outlets complex that will feature more than 80 retailers, including American Eagle Outfitters, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Calvin Klein and Nike.

Pittsburgh – Dick’s Sporting Goods is opening three new stores. The stores are located at the Lakeshore Mall in Gainesville, Ga., the Epps Bridge Center in Athens, Ga., and a remodeled store in Leawood, Kan.

New York – Private equity firm KKR & Co. LP has reportedly dropped out of the auction for Jones Group Inc. According to Reuters, KKR, in partnership with private equity group Sycamore Partners LLP, was the only entity trying to buy the entire Jones Group company.

Bidding continues on parts of Jones Group and the company is soliciting new bids. It is not clear whether Sycamore Group will continue to bid on part or all of Jones Group and KKR, Sycamore Group and Jones Group did not comment in the article.

Lake Charles, La. – Club Tabby, a tween girls retail party store concept, has partnered with California-based franchise development group Franchise Beacon to open a location in Willow Grove, Pa.

Franchisee Nicole Collado said she plans to open two more Club Tabby stores in the next five years.

“I fell in love with the concept,” Collado said.

Club Tabby hosts parties, does makeovers, and offer retail products that focus on making girls feel pampered and special.
 

Sales at Indianapolis-based athletic footwear and apparel retailer Finish Line grew 13.3% to $436 million and earnings per share increase 10.2% to 54 cents, nine cents better than analysts forecast for the period ended August 31.

Company chairman and CEO Glenn Lyon characterized the performance as solid, and credited a 0.9% comp increase and expense control for profit growth.