Apparel

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores is tightening the reins on its global suppliers. Effective March 1, the retailer is implementing a "zero tolerance" policy for any supplier who subcontracts work to factories without the company’s knowledge, the Associated Press reported. Previously, Wal-Mart gave suppliers three chances to correct mistakes.

As part of the new rules, Wal-Mart will require all factories in Bangladesh to undergo an electrical and building safety assessment from an independent agency.

CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif. — Jim McGinty, CFO of teen retailer, Hot Topic, has resigned from the company, effective March 29, the company announced Monday. George Wehlitz, VP, Finance, will serve as the interim CFO.

“We are grateful for Jim’s committed service to the company over the past 12 years and wish him well in the next phase of his career,” said Lisa Harper, chairman and CEO of Hot Topic.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — JustFab, a leading fashion-subscription e-commerce site and lifestyle fashion brand, has acquired children's fashion brand and personalized e-commerce service, FabKids.

JustFab is headed by president and creative director Kimora Lee Simmons. FabKids was launched by ShopStyle founder and serial entrepreneur, Andy Moss, and mom and actress Christina Applegate, in August 2012.

New York -- Winick Realty Group announced that a new high-end wine and spirits shop has signed a lease at 1287 First Avenue, between East 69th and East 70th Streets.

The building owners recently renovated the entire façade of the building and leased out all of the ground-floor retail space. The 1,932-sq.-ft. wine shop features marble and hardwood floors, and is slated to open spring 2013. Co-tenants include Starbucks, Papyrus and Val El Salon and Spa.

New York -- From solutions having to do with enterprise business intelligence to mobility, there were a host of retail technology deployments announced at the National Retail Federation’s 102nd Annual Convention & Expo. Here is a quick recap of some key applications:

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Shopko has promoted Jill Soltau to president. She will retain her position as the retailer’s CMO.

Soltau has more than 25 years of experience in the retail industry and joined Shopko in 2007 as SVP and GMM of apparel and accessories. In 2009, she was promoted to EVP and CMO. Prior to joining Shopko, Soltau held several senior level positions in merchandising, planning and private brand at Sears and Kohl's department stores. She started her career with Carson Pirie Scott in Milwaukee.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Multi-channel retailer HSNi will collaborate with Disney to create an exclusive collection of fashions, jewelry, beauty and home accessories based on Walt Disney Studios' film “Oz the Great and Powerful.”

To promote the collection and the film, HSN has developed a marketing campaign that includes a two-day live event viewable across all its platforms: TV, HSN.com and HSN mobile.

Urban Outfitters brings its urban style and eclectic stylings to the heart of suburbia,  opening a location in the upscale and shopper-friendly  town of Westfield, N.J. The three-story store spans over 12,000 sq. ft. and is located in a decades-old building that formerly housed a bank, but had been vacant for 25 years. The building was revamped, but the integrity of the original design remains intact.