Apparel

New York -- Apparel retailers and department stores reported monthly revenue results for September that were mixed, as Gap Inc. and Limited Brands posted gains that beat Wall Street estimates, while Macy's and Kohl’s missed expectations.

However, many analysts said spending was fairly strong for the month.

Li Ning, one of China’s largest marketers of sports apparel, footwear and equipment, has opened a flagship in Beijing with a bold design that  uses the theme of motion to attract and engage shoppers. A strong angular grid pattern is present throughout the store—in the ceilings, lighting and floor pattern — that creates an impression of non-stop movement. The theme is most visible on the sweeping lines of the four-story façade, which features a massive banner with changeable imagery.

FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif. — The Wet Seal reported that total sales declined 9.9% to $48.3 million for the month of September. Comparable-store sales fell 12.7% compared with same-store sales that were essentially flat last year.

E-commerce sales, which increased 15% for the month, were a bright spot for the company.

FREMONT, Calif. — Men's Wearhouse is partnering with The Knot Wedding Network, a popular wedding resource, to become the tuxedo provider of choice on TheKnot.com. 

Through the exclusive arrangement, brides-to-be will have the opportunity to view and interact with Men's Wearhouse brand-name tuxedo merchandise at an early stage of the wedding planning process.

SAN FRANCISCO — Fast Retailing will open its first West Coast Uniqlo flagship store in the Union Square neighborhood of San Francisco.

Denver -- Regional chain The Running Specialty Group announced Wednesday it has acquired five Dallas-based Run On! stores, bring the total number of stores to 24.

RSG is a joint venture between The Finish Line and private-equity firm Gart Capital Partners.

Plans call for RSG to begin expanding in Texas and surrounding areas over the next five years.

Brisbane, Calif. -- Fashion retailer Bebe reported Wednesday that total sales for the first quarter fell 9.4% to $105.1 million. Same-store sales dropped 8.7%, missing expectations of a more moderate 6.8% decline.

The 250-store chain has officially launched a search for a new CEO, announcing on Wednesday it has retained Russell Reynolds Associates to lead the effort. Former CEO Gregory Scott resigned the post in January 2009, and founder Manny Mashouf has been serving in an interim capacity since that time.

Fremont, Calif. -- The Men’s Wearhouse and online wedding site The Knot Wedding Network announced Wednesday that Men’s Wearhouse will be the exclusive tuxedo provider for TheKnot.com.

The new arrangement will give brides-to-be the opportunity to view and interact with Men's Wearhouse brand-name tuxedo merchandise at an early stage of the wedding planning process.

York, Pa. -- The Bon-Ton Stores said Wednesday it will close its Elder-Beerman store in Springfield, Ohio. The company will not renew the lease, which terminates January 31, 2013.
 
Bon-Ton acquired the leasehold interests in the Springfield store as part of the Elder-Beerman acquisition in 2003.

NEW YORK — In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Macy's is selling a special I.N.C. International Concepts lace top with part of the proceeds going to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

The I.N.C. International Concepts lace top for $59.50, available exclusively at Macy's and macys.com/pink. During the month of October, 5% of the purchase price will benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.