Apparel

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Kohl’s is adding designer Peter Som to its DesigNation limited-edition collection roster. Some is the fourth designer to join the team.

As part of the Kohl’s DesigNation concept featuring premier designer fashions based on international inspiration, the collection will draw creative influence from Som’s recent trip to St. Barths. The collection features apparel for women and will be available exclusively at Kohl’s and Kohls.com beginning spring 2014.

New York -- Although back-to-school sales were unexpectedly sluggish, retail sales for the month of August benefited from a late boost in store traffic.

Of the retailers still reporting monthly sales – most so far are reporting slight increases in August same-store sales. Retail Metrics forecast an overall August gain of 3.2% year-over-year; retail sales advanced 3.3% during the same period last year.

Costco Wholesale Corp. reported a same-store sales rise of 4% in August, surpassing a forecast 3.8% gain.

HAMPSTEAD, Md. — Although JoS. A. Bank saw decreases across the board for its second quarter, president and CEO R. Neal Black focused on the momentum the company seems to have picked up during August.

Hampstead, Md. -- JoS. A. Bank Clothiers reported that net income for the second quarter dropped 38% to $14.2 million, compared with $23.2 million in the same period last year, amid weaker sales.

Total sales fell 10.7% to $232.5 million. Same-store sales plummeted 15.9%; direct marketing sales decreased 1.9%.

Purchase, N.Y. — Hobby Lobby, Marshall’s and Home Goods have leased more than 98,000 sq. ft. of space at 562,000-sq.-ft. Pohatcong Plaza power center in Phillipsburg, N.J., according to National Realty & Development Corp.

The retailers will occupy a redeveloped building where Wal-Mart operated before expanding to a Supercenter early last year — in NRDC’s adjoining Pohatcong Plaza II.

HOUSTON — The relocation of Saks Fifth Avenue’s flagship store is allowing leading retail real estate firm Simon Property Group to use the space for other purposes, and the retailer to open a two-story, 198,000-sq.-ft. space adjacent to the one it will vacate at the Houston Galleria. 

New York -- Fashion designer Robert Graham will open his first New York City branded retail store at 380 Bleecker Street in SoHo, joining high-end neighbors such as Burberry, Brunello Cucinelli, Marc Jacobs, rag & bone, and Ralph Lauren. The Robert Graham store is slated to open this fall.

Jacksonville, Fla. - Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is investigating potential claims on behalf of purchasers of the securities of Stein Mart Inc. The investigation focuses on whether Stein Mart and/or certain of its officers complied with the federal securities laws when making statements to investors.