Apparel

The Ecco shoe brand has engaged the services of Demandware to power its new U.S. e-commerce and mobile commerce site. The company also plans to use Demandware’s cloud platform to quickly and efficiently expand internationally, beginning with Canada.

Ecco products are sold online and in 4,000 branded locations in more than 90 countries. 

By Akhilesh Srivastava, [email protected]

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.

San Francisco -- Westfield San Francisco Centre is partnering with the Asian Art Museum, Bloomingdale’s and M.Y. China to celebrate the Chinese New Year with music and dance performances, storytelling, live cooking demonstrations, zodiac readings and more – all launching in January.

Former Haggar executive Paul Buxbaum was named CEO of apparel manufacturer Hampshire Group.

Buxbaum, 57, replaces Heath Golden who resigned as president and CEO and also plans to vacate his position as a board member.

"Heath Golden has overseen Hampshire through a difficult period in its history and led a transformation of our business, resulting in a company with prospects of growth and profitability," said board chairman Peter Woodward.

City of Industry, Calif. -- Hot Topic announced that its chief financial officer, Jim McGinty, has resigned, effective March 29. The company said that George Wehlitz, VP finance will serve as interim CFO.

McGinty had worked for Hot Topic Inc. for the past 12 years. His resignation is effective March 29.

Wehlitz became VP finance at Hot Topic in 2008. He previously served as CFO at motorcycle clothing and accessories company Cycle Gear Inc.

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.