Apparel

Nordstrom never rushes things. It moves forward slowly, thoughtfully and creatively. And when the company makes a decision, observers tend to nod their heads and say: “Hey, that’s a good idea.”

A week ago, in a news conference announcing the acquisition of a West Side Manhattan Nordstrom store site for $102.5 million, Peter Nordstrom said: “We’ve had the intention and the drive, gosh, probably for the last 25 years to try to be here. We fully expect this to be our most successful store.”

SAN FRANCISCO — Mavatar Technologies has appointed Phil Schlein, former president and CEO of Macy's California and partner at U.S. Venture Partners, as chairman of its board of directors. 

The opening of 79 new stores drove overall second quarter sales growth at Francesca’s Holdings, but same store sales declined, profits were less than forecast and the company lowered its expectations for the full year.

Despite the slight decrease in same-store sales, the company grew its net income 15% to $14.6 million, from $12.7 million, while net sales rose 17% to $89.6 million.

Nashville, Tenn. - Harwood Feffer LLP is investigating potential claims against the board of directors of Genesco Inc., concerning whether the board has breached its fiduciary duties to shareholders. On August 29, 2013, Genesco disclosed that it may be forced to restate certain financial statements due to potential violations of generally accepted accounting principles.

Columbus, Ohio — DSW has opened two new footwear, handbag and accessories stores, one in Norman, Okla., and a second in Victor, N.Y.

The new stores bring the total number of DSW stores to 379. Locations include 42 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

New York -- Youngwoo & Associates (YWA) announced that the Pier 57 development at West 15th Street in Hudson River Park, Manhattan will now be officially known as SuperPier. Constructed in 1952, Pier 57 was an engineering marvel, built on three giant buoyant and hollow concrete boxes, or concrete caissons. Described as indestructible, it was dubbed “Super Pier” when it opened.  

The anchor tenants for the new development include:

Brooks Brothers has opened a flagship store location in San Francisco. At 26,000 sq. ft., Brooks Brothers at Union Square is the second largest retail location in North America.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears Holdings is launching a menswear collection by Grammy Award-winning recording artist Adam Levine, exclusively at Kmart and ShopYourWay.com beginning Oct. 1.  

Levine's collection includes premium denim washes, outerwear, wovens, knits and accessories.