Apparel

New York -- Saks Inc. announced Friday that it plans to close its Saks Fifth Avenue store located in Stamford Town Center in Stamford, Conn., in early 2014.

The shuttering is part of the department store chain’s continued right-sizing strategy. “We routinely evaluate the productivity, profitability, and potential of each of our store locations,” said Steve Sadove, CEO. “This planned closing is consistent with our strategy of utilizing our resources in our most productive Saks Fifth Avenue stores.”

Reston, Va. -- Despite the backdrop of continued economic uncertainty, 2012 was a strong year for retail e-commerce, according to comScore’s “2013 U.S. Digital Future in Focus” report. Throughout the year, growth rates versus the prior year remained in the mid-teens to outpace growth at brick-and-mortar retail by a factor of approximately four times.

Suffern, N.Y. -- Ascena Retail Group announced it has named Ronnie Robinson to the position of president of Ascena Global Sourcing (AGS).

David Jaffe, president and CEO of the Ascena Retail Group, commented: “Leveraging our sourcing capability across all our brands is an important strategic initiative for Ascena. Ronnie’s experience and accomplishments make him the ideal candidate to lead this effort.”

NEW YORK — Coach announced that Victor Luis has been appointed president and chief commercial officer. Concurrently, he has joined the board of directors. He will become CEO in January 2014. Lew Frankfort will continue as chairman and CE during this interim period and will then become executive chairman.

WASHINGTON -- Retail sales ticked up in January as consumers adjusted their spending in response to the increase in payroll taxes and rise in gasoline and energy prices. According to the National Retail Federation, January retail sales (excluding automobiles, gas stations and restaurants) increased 0.3% seasonally adjusted from December and increased 5.4% unadjusted year-over-year.

IRVING, Texas — Michaels Stores has named Chuck Rubin CEO and a member of the board of directors.  Rubin, currently the president and CEO of Ulta Beauty, will assume his new roles after a brief period of transition, at which time Michaels will discontinue the office of the CEO, established on an interim basis in May 2012.  Charles Sonsteby, a member of the office of the CEO, will continue as the company's chief administrative officer and CFO.

WASHINGTON -- American Eagle Outfitters has expanded its partnership with the Student Conservation Association to engage students in service to America's national parks.

Suffern, N.Y. -- Ascena Retail Group announced that Linda Heasley has accepted the position of president and CEO of Lane Bryant effective Feb. 18. Heasley joins Lane Bryant division after six years as president and CEO of The Limited. (The Limited has announced a search for a new chief executive.)

New York -- Tiffany & Co. has filed suit against Costco Wholesale Corp., alleging alleges trademark infringement, dilution, counterfeiting, unfair competition, injury to business reputation, false and deceptive business practices and false advertising. Tiffany said it filed the suit “to prevent further sales of counterfeit diamond engagement rings and for damages associated with prior sales.”

Milwaukee -- The Bon-Ton Stores announced that its “Your Rewards” loyalty program has been revamped and will be reintroduced beginning Feb. 15.

The new program will allow customers to begin earning rewards as soon as he or she $200 on their “Your Rewards” credit card at any of The Bon-Ton Stores seven nameplates, including Bon-Ton, Boston Store, Bergner’s, Carson’s, Elder-Beerman, Herberger’s and Younkers or online.