Apparel

Boston -- City Sports will open its 21st store, in Burlington, Vt., on May 6.

The eco-conscious space—built utilizing reclaimed materials from previous stores—was designed to capture the spirit of the community. The existing ceiling was kept, and all lighting fixtures were replaced with energy-efficient bulbs.

New York -- Dressbarn, a subsidiary of Ascena Retail Group Inc., has launched a social and interactive campaign, called Share Your (MOM)ent, for Mother's Day. The campaign's integrated web and mobile site was designed and developed by Manhattan-based agency Conversation.

The campaign encourages consumers to upload a photo, video or written memory of anyone who has ever given them a warm and fuzzy mom-like feeling, and to share it with others via social networks and a customizable e-card.

MINNEAPOLIS — April same-store sales at Target increased 1.1% and helped the company achieve a 5.3% first-quarter comps increase that was the highest in six years. How much of the performance was due to record warm weather versus good execution of a solid strategy against the back drop of an improved economy is debatable.

Hasbro has partnered with teen retailer Aéropostale for an exclusive line featuring the Battleship and G.I. Joe brands.

The line will include men's graphic t-shirts featuring Battleship and G.I. Joe images ahead of the debuts of "Battleship" on May 18 and "G.I. Joe: Retaliation" on June 29.

NEW YORK — Macy's Inc., Kohl’s, Saks and Costco’s Wholesale Corp. all reported results that fell short of expectations in April. An early Easter, which helped fuel March results, high gas prices, cool weather and renewed worries about the economy contributed to the decline, according to many analysts.

NEW YORK — Several apparel retailers, including Limited Brands, Zumiez and Ross Stores, posted better-than-expected sales in April. It was widely expected that an earlier Easter, which pushed demand into March, and cool weather would hurt sales.

Limited Brands, parent of Victoria’s Secret, reported a 7% rise in same-store sales for April, beating estimates.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Limited Brands has named Charlie McGuigan, CEO of Mast Global, the company's sourcing and production arm, as COO of Limited Brands. In addition to retaining his current responsibilities, he will assume leadership of enterprise operations.

Martyn Redgrave, Limited Brands chief administrative officer, will transition to the role of senior advisor for the company later this summer.

JCPenney on Thursday named Ken Hannah as its new CFO in the latest of a series of senior level personnel moves designed to aid in the company’s transformation.

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Body Central Corp. reported Thursday that net income for the first quarter rose to $5.9 million, from $5.4 million in the same period last year. Sales increased 11.8% to $82.7 million, and same-store sales dipped 1.4%.

The retailer, which operates 243 stores, said it is on track to open at least 35 stores in 2012.
 

Brisbane, Calif. -- Women’s apparel retailer Bebe stores reported Thursday that it narrowed its loss for the quarter ended March 31 to $200,000, compared with a $2.6 million loss in the year-earlier period.

Sales climbed 10.5% to $121 million, from $109.5 million. Same-store sales rose 7.2%.

For the remainder of fiscal year 2012, the retailer said it expects to open three 2b stores and close two Bebe stores.