Apparel

Plantation, Fla. -- Multichannel retailer Dreams, which focuses on the licensed sports products industry, said Wednesday that it has partnered with Hibbett Sports to become its exclusive online provider for team merchandise in the licensed sports category.

Hibbett’s new online platform is stadiumshop.hibbett.com and represents the bricks-and-mortar sporting goods retailer’s first entrance into e-commerce.

Seattle -- A Tuesday report by the Seattle Times said that Eddie Bauer chief Neil Fiske, who joined the retailer in 2007 and led it through bankruptcy, will leave his post effective March 2.

The company has not given a reason for Fiske’s sudden departure. David Chamberlain, executive chairman, will serve as interim CEO until a permanent replacement is named. Fiske will remain with the company as a consultant to ensure a smooth transition.

NEW YORK — Even the most fashionable women like to dress down on occasion, and Saks Fifth Avenue has answered the call by expanding its proprietary offerings into casual wear. The retailer has announced the launch of 9|15, which the company says incorporates runway-centric style to the adventurous and ambitious woman. The line’s debut follows the 2011 launch of the Saks Fifth Avenue Collection, and will be featured in the "Wear Now" area of Saks stores around the country.

Wilmington, Mass. -- Trinity Building + Construction Management Corp. announced Tuesday that it has formed a new Canadian entity called Trinity Builders + General Contractors, ULC. The new company’s first project is a retail build-out for J. Crew, in Vancouver, British Columbia.

“Canada’s economy is largely driven by energy and natural resources and therefore has not had the tremendous downturn that we have recently experienced in the U.S,” said Paul Mancini, one of Trinity’s founders and VP business development.

Northridge, Calif. -- Chicago-based General Growth Properties said Monday it will update its Northridge Fashion Center property, in Northridge, Calif., by modernizing and enhancing both the interior and exterior of the shopping center.

Renovations to the property launch in February and include new flooring, new interior and exterior dining areas, revamped color palette and lighting, a re-invented Macy’s Court with a Cyberlounge, a new Children’s Play Area, and updated entrance façade, way-finding signage and lighting.

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. — The NPD Group unveiled the top current favorite play items among children ages 14 years and younger.

After compiling 2,958 mentions, NPD revealed the top items included Lego, laptop, Nintendo Wii, toy cars, Xbox, books, video games, Nintendo DS, Barbie and iPod, while the top five product categories included toys (54%), video games (20%), consumer electronics (12%), sporting goods (5%) and books (3%).

A lineup of five new retailers will be opening at Westchester’s Ridge Hill in early spring, according to the New York City-area project’s developer Forest City Ratner Cos.

Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, White House | Black Market, The Limited and Vera Bradley will open around the same time as Lord & Taylor, slated to debut in mid-April.

By Craig R. Johnson, [email protected]