Apparel

Albuquerque, N.M. -- Consumers can shop for clothes categorized by astrological signs at the newly launched Fashionsofthezodiac.com, described as the world's first online store to organize its clothing and accessories by the 12 signs of the zodiac. The company expects to open a store early next year, in Denver.

Cole Haan has launched its Dog Days of Summer campaign in partnership with The Good Dog Foundation, a nonprofit organization that promotes the use of animal-assisted therapy using its certified therapy dog teams.

The brand enlisted a few canine friends from the foundation to star in the campaign. From Coco, a Yorkshire Terrier perched upon an upside down top hat, to Emma and Finn, two Mini Whoodles outfitted in white and blue polka dot bows, the dogs are shown alongside select pieces from Cole Haan's men's pre-fall collection.

The Neiman Marcus Group has added Adam Brotman, Phillipe Bourguignon, and Vivek “Vic” Gundotra to its board of directors.

Brotman is chief digital officer for Starbucks and is responsible for Starbucks’ core digital businesses, including mobile and mobile payments, Web, card, loyalty, e-commerce, wi-fi and the Starbucks Digital Network. Prior to joining Starbucks in 2009, Brotman held key leadership positions at leading digital media companies including Corbis and PlayNetwork.

Dublin, Calif. -- Ross Stores’ board approved a succession plan that elevates Barbara Rentler from president and chief merchant to CEO, effective June 1, replacing Michael Balmuth who will transition to executive chairman.

Current president and COO Michael O’Sullivan will continue in his present position.

Other promotions effective June 1 include: Lisa Panattoni to president, merchandising; and Bernard Brautigan to group executive VP merchandising.

Toronto -- Hudson’s Bay Company named Paul V. Beesley as CFO, effective in June.

Beesley is a senior executive with extensive experience in financial management and strategic development across a range of leading Canadian-based companies. From 2000 to 2014, he served in a number of executive roles with Empire Company Limited, a corporation with annual sales in excess of $19 billion and operations in retailing and related real estate, including chief corporate development officer of the Sobeys unit and executive VP and CFO of Empire.

Washington, D.C. -- More than two-thirds of U.S. shoppers will buy gift cards during the spring and summer seasons, according to a just-released survey by the Retail Gift Card Association.

Buying occasions include Mother’s Day, graduation and weddings. Key findings of the RGCA spring and summer gift card study, which polled more than 1,100 American shoppers, include:

Toronto -- Opterus Inc., a leading provider of cost-effective, web-based store communications and task management solutions, announced that luxury retailer Cole Haan has selected Opterus’ Store Ops-Center as its communications and task management solution.

Montreal -- After a failed attempt to restructure under bankruptcy protection, Canadian fashion retailer Boutique Jacob said it will liquidate its inventory and close all 92 stores.

The Montreal-based chain, which operates the Jacob, Jacob Outlet and Jacob Liquidation banners, exited bankruptcy protection in 2011 and has been unable to return to profitability. According to a Reuters report, the company said it was hurt by a challenging economy as well as competition from international brands that have debuted in Canada in recent years.