Apparel

New York – Gap is feeling the love this holiday season.

Dallas -- Zale Corp. announced the addition of Genesis Financial Solutions to its U.S. alternative financing program. The new financing option, which became available in October, is offered in Zales, Zales Outlet and Gordon’s retail stores.

Dallas -- Zale Corp. today announced the addition of consumer finance company, Genesis Financial Solutions, Inc., to its U.S. alternative financing program.

The partnership with Genesis is consistent with the company’s strategy to enhance access to financing for its customers. This new financing option, which became available in October, is offered in Zales, Zales Outlet and Gordon’s retail stores.

Gloucester -- TradeSone Software, provider of merchandise lifecycle management (MLM) solutions that unify the design, sourcing, ordering and delivery of retail goods, announced that Ascena Retail Group has gone live with TradeStone’s PLM for Retail and  Collaborative Sourcing in 18 weeks at its subsidiary, Tween Brands, which encompasses both the Justice and Brothers retail banners.

Solid third quarter results have Dillard’s feeling good about the holidays.

Dillard’s third quarter merchandise sales for the quarter ended October 27 increased 4% to more than $1.4 billion, same store sales increased 5% and operating profits increased 84% to nearly $73 million. Gross margins expanded 40 basis points to 37.1% and same store inventory levels were down 1%.

New York -- Marimekko will open a flagship in the heart of Beverly Hills, Calif., on Nov. 15. The 5,000 -sq.-ft. store will feature the entire range of Marimekko products, from signature fashions to home furnishings and textiles, as well as a showroom to support further business development of the brand in the area.

The Finnish textile and clothing design company, renowned for its original prints and colors, opened a store in Palo in the Stanford Shopping Center, on Oct. 25.

New York -- Dillard’s third quarter merchandise sales for the quarter ended Oct. 27 increased 4% to more than $1.4 billion, same-store sales increased 5% and operating profits increased 84% to nearly $73 million. Gross margins expanded 40 basis points to 37.1% and same-store inventory levels were down 1%.

Target plans to open at 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day to kick of its Black Friday promotional efforts and will follow up with additional deals that become available at 4 a.m.

The company is also rewarding its REDcard holders by allowing them early access to select Black Friday sale items at Target.com.