Apparel

New York -- J.C. Penney on Thursday shot back at reports that its sales were weak in the late August and early September back-to-school season and said it was pleased with the progress of its turnaround efforts.

The company said it still expected positive comparable-store sales trends coming out of the third quarter and throughout the fourth, adding that its online sales continue to rise in double-digits over last year.

El Segundo, Calif. -- The fast-growing fashion subscription online retailer, JustFab, announced it has secured $40 million in Series C funding led by Hong Kong-based Shining Capital Management to further its expansion plans. The company recently opened its first store, at the Glendale Galleria, Glendale, Calif.

Monrovia, Calif. – Trader Joe’s will reportedly open a new store in the Hingham Shipyard complex in Hingham, Mass., on Oct. 4.

According to the Hingham Journal, Trader Joe’s signed a lease with Samuels & Associates in winter 2012 to open a 12,000-sq.-ft. store in the Launch portion of the Shipyard complex.

Plano, Texas – J.C. Penney Company Inc. reportedly seeks to raise $750 million to $1 billion in cash equity. According to Reuters, J.C. Penney, which is valued at $2.6 billion, is considering issuing new stock shares as well as other unspecified alternatives.

New York -- British lifestyle brand Holland & Holland is launching its U.S. e-commerce site today. This interactive e-commerce site will allow Holland & Holland clothing, fashion accessories, gifts and shooting accoutrement to be available for purchase for the first time nationwide.

Columbus, Ohio – DSW Inc. will open new stores in Baltimore and in Lafayette, La. on Oct. 3.

The Baltimore store will be located at 3501 Boston Street and the Lafayette store will be located at 609 Settlers Trace Blvd. Customers will be able to participate in the DSW Rewards loyalty program and also participate in the DSW Shoe Lover community on Facebook to receive exclusive offers and giveaways.

Boston – A new headquarters complex athletic shoe manufacturer New Balance is constructing in the Brighton section of Boston will reportedly include 65,000 sq. ft. of retail space.

According to the Boston Business Journal, ground has been broken on the $500 million, 1.45 million-sq.-ft. site. In addition to New Balance corporate headquarters and retail space, the site will also include an athletic complex, NHL-regulation hockey arena, a hotel, office space, 1,750 parking spaces and its own commuter rail stop.

Suffern, N.Y. -- Ascena Retail Group’s adjusted fiscal fourth-quarter profit exceeded Wall Street estimates, driven by strong same-store sales at its Lane Bryant division.

Looking ahead, the company, whose brands include Justice, Lane Bryant, Maurices, Dressbarn and Catherines, said it plans to open approximately 180 to 190 stores and close 115 to 125 stores.

Ascena’s net income jumped to $29.8 million for the quarter that ended July 27, compared with net income of $1.6 million in its fourth quarter last year.

Denton, Texas — Denim specialty retailer Buckle plans to open a store at Golden Triangle Mall on Oct.17. Golden Triangle, Denton’s only mall, features Macy’s, Dillard’s, J.C. Penney, Sears, Barnes & Noble and DSW Show Warehouse as anchors.

Cencor Realty Services manages the mall, and The Weitzman Group www.weitzmangroup.com is the exclusive leasing agent for the property.

Chadds Ford, Pa. — Three more new retailers have signed leases at Glen Eagle Square. Gap’s national women’s athletic wear brand Athleta, took 5,100 sq. ft. Pet Valu leased 3,200 sq. ft. and Not Your Average Joes, a casual American-style restaurant will occupy more than 7,200 sq. ft.