Apparel

Hingham, Mass. -- Talbots said Friday that Sycamore Partners had walked away from negotiations over a proposed $215 million buyout of the retailer. The company, which also reported first quarter results, said it was exploring other strategic alternatives.

TORONTO — Sears Canada announced that on May 25 it will unveil its new, refreshed store concept in four Ontario locations: Barrie, Belleville, Newmarket and at the Lime Ridge mall in Hamilton. These stores reflect the Company's plans to transform the Sears shopping experience in Canada.

Walmart U.S. CEO Bill Simon delivered an optimistic message about Walmart U.S.’s performance during the first quarter and its potential for the coming year during a presentation at a Morgan Stanley conference in Boston Wednesday. Ahead of the Walmart’s upcoming shareholders’ meeting, Simon talked about leveraging a more efficient supply chain to drive costs down, lower prices and improve traffic and shared insights on the company’s plans for growth in the second quarter and beyond.

New York -- Ann Inc. announced Thursday that it will open two stores in Toronto, in fall 2012, marking the apparel retailer’s first foray outside the United States.

“Toronto is the perfect location to open our first international stores. It is a beautiful city filled with modern, sophisticated women who lead busy lives, and we are excited to bring a trusted fashion destination that offers great style as well as incredible versatility,” said head designer Lisa Axelson.

Warrendale, Pa. -- Rue21 reported Thursday that profit for the quarter ended April 28 rose 20.6% to $11.6 million, from $9.6 million in the same quarter last year.
   
Net sales increased 18.9% to $205.6 million, from $172.9 million. Same-store sales for the quarter edged up 1.7%.

Bob Fisch, president and CEO said the company is staying its small- and mid-market growth course.

Toronto -- Sears Canada said Thursday it will unveil a new, refreshed store concept in four Ontario locations, designed to illustrate the retailer’s renewed commitment to customer service and store experience.

The four stores – in Barrie, Belleville, Newmarket and at the Lime Ridge mall in Hamilton – will open on May 25, and will the first step to the company’s plans to transform the Sears shopping experience in Canada, said Sears.

New York -- J. Crew CEO Milliard “Mickey” Drexler is the subject of a CNBC documentary that will premier Thursday, May 24 at 10 p.m., ET, with a re-air at 1 a.m., ET.

I’m just back from the retail real estate industry’s annual confab, the International Council of Shopping Centers’ RECon, in Las Vegas. As part of the event, Faith Hope Consolo, chairman, Prudential Douglas Elliman, hosted a panel discussion of retailers at the Women’s Special Industry Group meeting. Here are some of the more notable quotes from the discussion:

Brenda Godfrey, VP global store development, Starbucks Coffee Co.

Kansas City -- The area’s first White House Black | Market Outlet boutique opened on May 24 at Legends Outlets Kansas City.

The concept features not only collections designed specifically for the outlet boutique, but also an assortment from its full-price boutiques as well.

The White House Black Market Outlet boutique will occupy 2,955 sq. ft. next to Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th.

Short Hills, N.J. -- Mulberry has opened a new store at Mall at Short Hills (N.J.), on the upper level near Bloomingdale’s, and will be followed by Robert Graham and Vilebrequin openings this summer.

Robert Graham will make its New Jersey debut this summer in its third freestanding U.S. boutique. And men’s swimwear retailer Vilebrequin makes its New Jersey debut this summer as well.

Newly opened stores recently added to this list include Ermenegildo Zegna, Miu Miu, Prada, Victorinox Swiss Army and
Vineyard Vines.