Apparel

Dallas -- Zale Corp. on Thursday restated its support for Signet Jewelers Ltd.'s $1 billion acquisition offer, urging shareholders to support the deal despite opposition from a large investor. The deal, under which Zale stockholders would receive $21.00 per share in cash, has been unanimously approved by the Zale board of directors.

Zale’s investor TIG Advisors LLC has called the deal "grossly unfair," saying the jewelry retailers should be able to get $28.60 a share in cash and stock.  

Outdoor apparel, equipment and footwear supplier The North Face has made key leadership and organizational changes to its sales agency partnerships.

The CEO search continues at Crocs, but the casual footwear maker does have a new president.

New Albany, Ohio – Abercrombie & Fitch Co. reportedly plans to open 100 new stores under both its marquee and Hollister banners in China. According to China Daily, Abercrombie seeks to expand its presence in China during the next 10 years, and will also open a dedicated Chinese e-commerce site.

Burlington, Mass. — Big Lots has signed a lease for 31,000 sq. ft. at Wonderland Marketplace in Revere, Massachusetts. KeyPoint Partners represented the landlord in the transaction.

Wonderland Marketplace is a 135,000-sq.-ft. shopping center anchored by Marshalls and Staples. In line tenants include Hair Cuttery, Ninety-Nine restaurant, and the U.S. Post Office. The Big Lots space is in a former Stop & Shop. Another 33,687 sq. ft. is available for lease in that building.

New York – Kate Spade & Company earned net income of $46 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2014. This marked a return to profitability after a net loss of $52 million in the prior year period.

At a time when sluggish-to-modest industry numbers have seemingly become the norm, and a protracted economic recovery inches forward, the recent spate of seemingly good retail and economic news has industry analysts and observers like myself raising a collective eyebrow.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. – Sears Holdings Corp. on Wednesday confirmed it is exploring strategic options for its 51% interest in Sears Canada Inc., including a sale. To assist in its efforts, the retailer said it will hire to an investment banking firm.

Sears Canada's board of directors and management intend to cooperate fully with Sears Holdings in this process. Net loss attributable to Sears Holdings’ shareholders was $358 million and $1.4 billion, respectively, for the fourth quarter and full year of 2013.