Apparel

Hampstead, Md. -- Jos. A. Bank Clothiers reported Wednesday that net income for the fiscal year ended Feb. 2 slid to $79.7 million, from $97.5 million in the prior year.

Annual sales rose 7.1% to a record $1.05 billion, from $979.9 million. Same-store sales decreased 0.5%.

Jos. A. Bank had warned that net income for fiscal year 2012 was expected to be approximately 20% lower than net income for fiscal year 2011.

New York -- In its annual report filed Tuesday, Abercrombie & Fitch revealed that it plans to open Abercrombie & Fitch flagship stores in Seoul and Shanghai in 2013, as well as 20 international Hollister stores. The news sent the teen retailer’s shares rising on Wednesday.

The company also said in the report that it is maintaining its focus on boosting profitability by simplifying processes, eliminating less-profitable parts of its business, shoring up efficiencies and cutting expenses.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Quarterly net earnings at Shoe Carnival fell to $3.2 million, compared with $3.3 million in the year-ago period.

Revenue rose 13.1% to $205.7 million from $181.9 million, and same-store sales edged up 0.5%.

For the full year, profit rose to $29.3 million from $26.4 million, sales increased 12.1% to $855 million, and same-store sales advanced 4.5%.

In fiscal 2013, the company said it expects to open 30 to 35 new stores, relocate seven stores and close five to seven stores.

Los Angeles -- Survey results released Wednesday by PriceGrabber found that 54% of consumers expect to receive a tax refund this year. And, the majority plans to use the money for purchases.

According to PriceGrabber’s poll of 5,655 U.S. online shopping consumers, 24% anticipate a bigger refund than last year and 26% expect about the same amount. Thirty-two percent anticipate receiving less compared to 2012, and 18% aren't sure how much money they will receive.

Los Angeles - Bebe stores announced Wednesday it has named Katrina Glusac as chief merchandising officer, effective immediately.

In her new role, Glusac will lead the merchandising, visual merchandising and planning & allocations teams in defining and building the brand’s merchandising offerings across all categories.
 
Most recently, Glusac served as chief merchant and VP merchandising at ShoeDazzle.com. Prior to that, she was divisional VP and general merchandising manager of Guess.

Boston -- City Sports announced that it has named Ted Manning as chief merchandising 0fficer.

Manning joins City Sports following nearly two decades of service with outdoor retailer Eastern Mountain Sports, most recently as their EVP, where he developed strategies for retail expansion, merchandising, product development and marketing. Manning began his career at EMS in store management, climbing the ranks to hold posts as a product manager, merchandise director and VP/general merchandise manager.
 

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Destination XL Group is engaging the service of CQuotient to create tailored email campaigns for its shoppers.

Here’s an interesting take on pop-up stores by Felicity Pogson, associate design director, interiors, Dalziel & Pow, London: