Apparel

By Akhilesh Srivastava, [email protected]

CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif. — Jim McGinty, CFO of teen retailer, Hot Topic, has resigned from the company, effective March 29, the company announced Monday. George Wehlitz, VP, Finance, will serve as the interim CFO.

“We are grateful for Jim’s committed service to the company over the past 12 years and wish him well in the next phase of his career,” said Lisa Harper, chairman and CEO of Hot Topic.

Former Haggar executive Paul Buxbaum was named CEO of apparel manufacturer Hampshire Group.

Buxbaum, 57, replaces Heath Golden who resigned as president and CEO and also plans to vacate his position as a board member.

"Heath Golden has overseen Hampshire through a difficult period in its history and led a transformation of our business, resulting in a company with prospects of growth and profitability," said board chairman Peter Woodward.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores is tightening the reins on its global suppliers. Effective March 1, the retailer is implementing a "zero tolerance" policy for any supplier who subcontracts work to factories without the company’s knowledge, the Associated Press reported. Previously, Wal-Mart gave suppliers three chances to correct mistakes.

As part of the new rules, Wal-Mart will require all factories in Bangladesh to undergo an electrical and building safety assessment from an independent agency.

San Francisco -- Westfield San Francisco Centre is partnering with the Asian Art Museum, Bloomingdale’s and M.Y. China to celebrate the Chinese New Year with music and dance performances, storytelling, live cooking demonstrations, zodiac readings and more – all launching in January.

City of Industry, Calif. -- Hot Topic announced that its chief financial officer, Jim McGinty, has resigned, effective March 29. The company said that George Wehlitz, VP finance will serve as interim CFO.

McGinty had worked for Hot Topic Inc. for the past 12 years. His resignation is effective March 29.

Wehlitz became VP finance at Hot Topic in 2008. He previously served as CFO at motorcycle clothing and accessories company Cycle Gear Inc.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — JustFab, a leading fashion-subscription e-commerce site and lifestyle fashion brand, has acquired children's fashion brand and personalized e-commerce service, FabKids.

JustFab is headed by president and creative director Kimora Lee Simmons. FabKids was launched by ShopStyle founder and serial entrepreneur, Andy Moss, and mom and actress Christina Applegate, in August 2012.

New York -- Winick Realty Group announced that a new high-end wine and spirits shop has signed a lease at 1287 First Avenue, between East 69th and East 70th Streets.

The building owners recently renovated the entire façade of the building and leased out all of the ground-floor retail space. The 1,932-sq.-ft. wine shop features marble and hardwood floors, and is slated to open spring 2013. Co-tenants include Starbucks, Papyrus and Val El Salon and Spa.

New York -- From solutions having to do with enterprise business intelligence to mobility, there were a host of retail technology deployments announced at the National Retail Federation’s 102nd Annual Convention & Expo. Here is a quick recap of some key applications:

Wegman’s, Whole Foods, Nordstrom and Men’s Wearhouse were among the 14 retailers included on the 2013 edition of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work for.