Apparel

York, Pa. -- The Bon-Ton Storesannounced it will convert its Elder-Beerman nameplate in two markets in Michigan. Elder-Beerman stores in Howell and Monroe will be converted to the company’s Carson’s nameplate.

“We are making this strategic change in nameplates as a result of a marketing review,” said Brendan Hoffman, president and CEO. “The usage of Carson’s nameplate will allow us to communicate more effectively and provide us the opportunity to expand our outreach to more consumers.”

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Kmart is responding to changing trends affecting the "back-to-school" experience with a number initiatives designed to meet the needs of its consumers.

According to Kmart, more public schools are requiring uniforms and others are now adopting a year-round school calendar. In response, Kmart has adjusted its approach to back-to-school by increasing the number of stores that sell uniforms and aligning its back-to-school sales periods by region to match that of the local school districts.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Dillard's posted an impressive 97% increase in earnings per share for its second quarter ended July 28. Net income for the quarter was $31 million, or 63 cents per diluted share, compared with net income of $17.6 million, or 32 cents per diluted share, for the same period last year.

Net sales for the quarter were $1.5 billion compared with net sales for the prior year period of $1.442 billion. Sales in comparable stores increased 3%.

NEW YORK — Supermodel Heidi Klum will serve as the face of Jordache's latest ad campaign. 

Austin, Texas -- A survey released Tuesday by coupon site RetailMeNot.com found that nearly 80% of parents spend up to $500 per child for back-to-school shopping.

Additionally, the survey – which was conducted with Ipsos Public Affairs – found that the majority of parents get the jump on the school year by starting their shopping in July and August (54%) versus after the school year begins.

A significant number of parents, 29%, find the back-to-school shopping experience to be either annoying or stressful.

HONG KONG — Esprit Holdings Limited has appointed Jose Manuel Martínez Gutiérrez as its new Group CEO and executive director, effective on or before the end of September.

Hong Kong -- Esprit Holdings Limited said Tuesday it has named Jose Manuel Martínez Gutiérrez as its new group CEO and executive director, effective September.

Martinez was previously group director of distribution and operations for Inditex. Prior to that, he was the country manager for the Zara brand across Scandinavia.

He succeeds Ronald Van Der Vis.

LOS ANGELES — The Kardashian sisters (Kim, Kourtney and Khloé) have expanded their retail empire with the addition of eyewear to their collection at Sears. Manufactured by Jupi Corp and Inspecs USA, the Kardashian Kollection Eyewear hit stores in July.