Apparel

A heat wave washed over Las Vegas just in time for the International Council of Shopping Centers’ annual RECon event May 20-23 — and the mood inside the Las Vegas Convention Center was just as elevated.

“I am very bullish on this year’s RECon,” said Andy Graiser, co-president of A&G Realty Partners, Melville, N.Y. “Growth is becoming evident in most all categories, and it’s smart growth.”

Chattanooga, Tenn. -- Mall owner CBL & Associates Properties announced Wednesday the launch of Me-Ality — a size-matching station for mall shoppers — at nine CBL malls across the United States.

Improved procurement processes at Gymboree are being eyed as a means for the specialty retailer to reduce expenses.

Gymboree, operator of 1,155 stores, said it retained the procurement management firm LogicSource after the firm conducted a detailed analysis of Gymboree’s procurement spend and identified significant savings opportunities. LogicSource will give Gymboree access to its broad-reaching procurement industry expertise, provide a comprehensive vendor network, and drive efficiencies through smart centralization, according to LogicSource.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Kohl’s Department Stores is strengthening its commitment to renewable energy, by increasing its solar program by nearly 25% in 2012, installing solar panels at approximately 30 additional Kohl’s locations.

Menomonee Falls, Wis. -- Kohl’s Department Stores is strengthening its commitment to renewable energy, by increasing its solar program by nearly 25% in 2012, installing solar panels at approximately 30 additional Kohl’s locations.

Portable digital displays proved the ideal solution for a temporary installation at a Gap store in Manhattan. The application takes the hassle, along with the unsightly cords and wiring, out of digital signage.

San Francisco -- The Gymboree Corp. and procurement management firm LogicSource announced Thursday an agreement under which LogicSource will provide procurement and management expertise to deliver cost savings to Gymboree.

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Pittsburgh -- First Insight said Thursday that it has forged an agreement with Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5TH to provide predictive analytics generated from online consumer engagements to help the outlet retailer make faster and more accurate buying and pricing decisions for new products. These decisions are designed to reduce markdowns and out-of-stocks, as well as to mitigate risks associated with new product introductions.