Apparel

Chicago -- Charming Charlie said Tuesday it has selected ShopperTrak to measure, analyze and deliver store-performance data for its nearly 200 locations.

ShopperTrak's Managed Service, which provides access to secure and anonymous foot-traffic data and actionable analyses, is currently being installed in all Charming Charlie stores and will continue through November 2012.

Canadian specialty apparel retailer Reitmans broadens its appeal with a new store environment designed to appeal to a younger and more fashion-focused shopper while also engaging the existing customer base. Bright, crisp, clean and confident, the new design (by Dalzel and Pow, London) brings a fresh, modern feel to the brand.

Indianapolis -- Simon Property Group announced that it has acquired 50% of Silver Sands Factory Stores, an outlet shopping destination located in Destin, Florida. Howard Group, developer of the center, will remain 50% owner of the center. Simon will assume primary responsibility of leasing and management duties.

The 465,000-sq.-ft. Silver Sands center is home to over 100 stores including Ann Taylor Factory Store, Coach, Cole Haan, J.Crew, Kenneth Cole, Michael Kors, Nike and Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th.
 

PITTSBURGH — American Eagle Outfitters has named Mary Boland as EVP, chief financial and administrative officer, effective July 9. Boland’s responsibilities will include finance, investor relations, merchandise planning and allocation, strategy planning, and other administrative functions.

Bensalem, Pa. -- Charming Shoppes reported Friday that net income for the first quarter plummeted 31.7% to $17.8 million, from $26 million in the year-ago period.

Sales dropped 4.6% to $481.3 million, largely due to the shuttering of 157 stores. E-commerce was a strength in the quarter, up 18% over the prior-year period. Same-store sales were flat in the first quarter, including a 1% comparable-store sales increase for Lane Bryant, a 5% comparable-store sales increase for Catherines, and a 3% comparable-store sales decrease for Fashion Bug.

Toronto -- Sears Canada said Friday that it is rolling out a new in-store area called new baby department, located in the Kids Room in 55 Sears Canada stores across the country.

The new baby department in the Kids Room is "organized into five categories that are clearly signed: nursery, travel, activity, feeding and gifting," said Tracy Culleton, VP of The Kids Room at Sears Canada. "The signing also provides all the features and benefits of the product assortment."

New York -- Nike Inc. is trimming its portfolio. The company announced it will sell its Cole Haan and Umbro brands to cut costs and focus on its core namesake brand.

Nike acquired Cole Haan, which specializes in casual and dress shoes, handbags and accessories, in 1988 for $80 million, plus the assumption of $15 million in debt. Cole Haan operates more than 180 stores throughout the United States, Canada, the Middle East and Asia.

Nike bought the soccer gear and apparel company Umbro in 2008 for $565 million.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Sears Holdings announced that Sears Canada has filed a Registration Statement on Form 20-F with the U.S. SEC in connection with the company’s previously announced plan to spin-off a portion of its interest in Sears Canada.

Pittsburgh -- American Eagle Outfitters announced that Mary Boland has been appointed executive VP, chief financial and administrative officer, effective July 9.

Boland’s responsibilities will include finance, investor relations, merchandise planning and allocation, strategy planning, and other administrative functions. She joins AEO from Levi Strauss & Company where she most recently served as senior VP of finance for Global Levi’s.
 

MINNEAPOLIS — Target reported a 4.4% increase in May same-store sales that was toward the upper end of a guidance range that called for a low-to-mid single-digit increase.