Apparel

NEW YORK — H&M is launching an exclusive collection this fall from French fashion house Maison Martin Margiela, the apparel retailer said.

Making its official debut Nov. 15, the autumn/winter 2012 collection will include garments and accessories for both men and women, and will be sold at 230 H&M stores, as well as online at HM.com.

New York -- Michael Kors Holdings Ltd. said Tuesday that its fiscal fourth-quarter net income more than tripled as the company opened new stores and demand grew for its fashions and accessories.

For the three months through March 31, Michael Kors earned $43.6 million, up from $13.6 million in the same quarter last year.

Revenue rose 58% to $380 million, from $240 million. Same-store sales jumped 36%.

Michael Kors opened 71 stores this year, bringing its store count to 237. Retail sales rose 80% to $172.2 million.

New York -- J.Crew Group is expanding into Asia through a partnership with Hong Kong- based specialty store operator Lane Crawford.

Beginning in October, a curated selection of the J.Crew autumn/winter 2012 women's ready-to-wear and shoes, men's apparel and accessory collections will be available at select Lane Crawford stores in Hong Kong and China. It is the first time J.Crew goods will be featured in a retail environment outside of North America.

Chicago -- Claire's Stores announced Monday that its COO James G. Conroy has departed the company, effective immediately.

Conroy's duties will be assumed by newly appointed CEO James D. Fielding, who will officially join Claire’s on June 18. Fielding had been president of Disney Stores Worldwide since May 2008.
 

New York -- Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia said Monday it has named Michael Robinson to the newly created position of VP e-commerce.

Robinson was most recently Anthropologie’s head of e-commerce for Europe and United Kingdom, and was responsible for launching the Anthropologie catalog and website in 1998, as well as introducing the retailer’s loyalty card program.

He has also held managerial and planning positions with Banana Republic and Smith & Hawken.

PLANO, Texas — JCPenney has announced several promotions and additions to its merchandising, operations and investor relations areas.

“We’re rethinking every element of the retail business and there's no better way to re-imagine the possibilities than to tap the proven abilities of our own extraordinary talent along with the fresh perspectives offered by industry experts new to our organization,” said CEO Ron Johnson.

CINCINNATI — Macy's Inc. has invested in the future of America, by hiring more than 1,000 college and university students for its Executive Development Program and for summer internships nationwide.

Birmingham, Ala. -- Hibbett Sports announced that Scott J. Bowman has joined the company as senior VP and CFO effective July 9. He will replace Gary Smith, whose retirement is effective July 8, 2012.

Bowman was most recently division chief financial officer – Northern Division for The Home Depot, a position he has held since 2006.
 

New York -- The Fisher family, the founders of Gap Inc. have acquired a stake in high-end riding-gear and apparel company Ariat International Inc.

The Fisher family, along with Ariat management, purchased the firm from LNK Partners and Brentwood Associates. Terms of the sale were not disclosed.
 

Plano, Texas -- J.C. Penney Co. on Thursday announced several promotions and additions to its merchandising, operations and investor relations areas.

“We’re rethinking every element of the retail business and there's no better way to re-imagine the possibilities than to tap the proven abilities of our own extraordinary talent along with the fresh perspectives offered by industry experts new to our organization,” said CEO Ron Johnson.