Apparel

London -- A Thursday report by Bloomberg said that retail sales in the U.K. fell a more-than-expected 0.8% (excluding fuel) in March compared to February, impacted by unseasonably cold weather and a still-sluggish economy.

Boston -- Research findings released Thursday by mobile-retail marketer Swirl found that a full 76% of women prefer shopping in stores over shopping via their smartphones.

“What Women Want When Apparel Shopping,” which polled 1,000 women shoppers, also revealed that 53% of women have between one and five shopping apps on their smartphones. Yet, still, they opt for the store experience.

Dick Lynch has joined the SD Retail Consulting division of Hilco Trading as SVP of merchandising and strategy.

In his new role, Lynch will be responsible for helping retailers create shareholder value through process, organization and technology enhancements in the key merchandising and inventory management functions. He will also play a key role in assisting management, owners and lenders in shareholder value creation assignments.

J.C. Penney late Thursday announced that chief operating officer Michael W. Kramer had left the company.

His departure was disclosed in an 8-K filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In connection with Kramer’s departure, he received a lump sum cash payment of $2,143,414. In addition, the company also disclosed that Daniel Walker had resigned as the company’s chief talent officer.

San Francisco -- In a presentation to shareholders at its annual investor meeting on Wednesday, Gap CEO Glenn Murphy outlined growth initiatives that include taking Old Navy international via a franchising route, and expanding on its online programs.

New York -- A Wednesday report by Women’s Wear Daily said Libby Wadle been named president of the J. Crew brand, charged with overseeing both the retail and direct businesses of J. Crew, Crewcuts and J. Crew factory outlets. She was previously EVP.

Former chief administrative officer James Scully has been promoted to COO.

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Stein Mart said Wednesday that it has been granted approval to continue its listing on the Nasdaq stock market while it works to secure full compliance with listing requirements.

According to Stein Mart, a panel gave the retailer a thumbs-up to continue the listing, and Nasdaq has given Stein Mart until August to comply with all applicable requirements for continued listing on the exchange.

Clarksburg, Md. -- Tanger Factory Outlet Centers and Peterson Cos. said Wednesday that the pair will develop an upscale outlet center in Clarksburg, Md.

The new outlet center, currently in the pre-development stage, will be branded as Tanger Outlets and located 27 miles northwest of Washington, D.C. and 36 miles west of Baltimore.

Burlington, Mass. -- Demandware said Tuesday that Crabtree & Evelyn has re-launched  its U.S. e-commerce site, Crabtree-evelyn.com, on the Demandware Commerce platform. In addition, Crabtree & Evelyn is leveraging Demandware’s web design capabilities to extend the online shopping experience to smartphones and tablets.

The 500+-store Crabtree & Evelyn also plans to use Demandware Commerce to support its global expansion strategy.

Los Angeles -- Bebe stores announced Wednesday the appointment of Michelle Landgrebe as EVP, general merchandising manager of its 2b division, effective immediately.

In her new role, Landgrebe will be responsible for merchandising, design, production, planning & allocation, and visual merchandising for the Bebe’s outlet division, b2.

She most recently served as VP, general merchandising manager at VF Corp.