Apparel

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.

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.

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.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Kohl’s Department Stores is boosting its high-fashion image with the launch of a new, limited-edition collection concept called DesigNation featuring fashions from different premier designeres.  Narcisco Rodriguez will be the first designer featured in the series. The collection will include pieces inspired by Rodriguez’s trip to Istanbul, Turkey earlier this year and will be available exclusively at Kohl’s and Kohls.com beginning in early-November 2012.

New York -- J.C. Penney CEO Ron Johnson is taking over direct responsibility for marketing in the wake of the departure of Michael Francis, who left the company abruptly on Monday, Women’s Wear Daily reported.

Speculation has been raging about the reasons behind Francis’ sudden exit after just eight months on the job. In the article, Johnson blamed it on the fact that J.C. Penney’s marketing had not resonated with its core customer and that he “had to get involved.”

SECAUCUS, N.J. — Eric Bauer, COO of The Children's Place Retail Stores, has left the company effective June 19, the company announced Wednesday. Jane Elfers, president and CEO, will resume oversight of the company's supply chain, store operations, finance, information technology and real estate functions.

Commenting on Bauer's departure, Elfers said, "We thank Eric for his contributions and wish him well in his future endeavors."

Menomonee Falls, Wis. -- Kohl’s Department Stores has scored a big coup. The chain announced that Narciso Rodriguez will be the first designer for the retailer’s new limited-edition collection concept called DesigNation, which will feature fashions based on international inspiration from different premier designers.

The launch DesigNation collection will draw creative influence from Rodriguez’s trip to Istanbul, Turkey, earlier this year. It will be available exclusively at Kohl’s and Kohls.com beginning in early November.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Stein Mart shareholders have re-elected the following people to the company's board of directors:

Jay Stein, Ralph Alexander, Alvin R. Carpenter, Irwin Cohen, Susan Falk, Linda M. Farthing, Mitchell W. Legler, Robert L. Mettler, Richard L. Sisisky, Martin E. Stein, Jr. and John H. Williams, Jr. Each will serve one year terms