Apparel

New York City -- Liz Claiborne Inc. said Wednesday that it will change its name to Fifth & Pacific Cos., effective May 15, to reflect the divestiture of its namesake brand as well as a newly honed focus on its core banners.

The owner of Juicy Couture, Kate Spade and Lucky Brand agreed last October to sell its Liz Claiborne and Monet brands to J.C. Penney Co. for $267.5 million in a move to reduce debt. It also sold its Dana Buchman brand to Kohl’s Corp.

City of Industry, Calif. -- Hot Topic reported Wednesday that same-store sales for the nine-week holiday shopping period of November and December edged up 1.2%. The company upped its fourth quarter guidance based on the results.

In related news, Hot Topic has named Cindy Levitt as VP, general merchandise manager, effective Jan. 16.

FRAMINGHAM, Mass — TJX announced that it has moved some of its executives to new roles to better position the company for future growth. Michael MacMillan will assume leadership of the company’s European division as SVP TJX Europe, moving from his current post as head of The Marmaxx Group (the company’s largest division comprised of T.J. Maxx and Marshalls). Richard Sherr will return to The Marmaxx Group as Senior EVP, having most recently held the post of president HomeGoods.

Framingham, Mass. -- The TJX Cos. announced Wednesday several senior management shifts, including moving current Marmaxx Group head Michael MacMillan to the company’s European division.

MacMillan, who has been in charge of the company’s largest division comprised of T.J. Maxx and Marshalls, will now be senior executive VP of TJX Europe. MacMillan replaces Paul Sweetenham, who recently resigned.

The current president of HomeGoods, Richard Sherr, will return to Marmaxx Group as senior executive VP.

Everett, Wash. -- Zumiez Inc. reported Wednesday that total sales for the five-week period ended Dec. 31 increased 18.1% to $104.6 million, compared to $88.5 million last year.

Same-store sales surged 10% for the period.

Based on better than planned holiday sales and product margin, the company has increased its guidance and now expects fiscal 2011 fourth quarter total sales of $180 to $181 million.

ATLANTA — K&G Fashion Superstore announced that has partnered with actor Blair Underwood to launch an exclusive line of men's tailored suits. The BU Collection will be available at select K&G stores and on KGstores.com.

"I wanted this collection to be available to every man without a steep price barrier," said Underwood. "I felt K&G was a great partner to launch this line because of their ability to bring well-made designer clothing to the public at affordable prices."

New York City -- Sears Holdings Corp. hired Ron Boire, the former president and chief executive of Brookstone Inc. to lead its merchandising and retail stores for both the Sears and Kmart brands. Prior to Brookstone, Boire served as president, U.S. Toys, North America for Toys “R” Us from 2006 to 2009, where he was in charge of merchandising, marketing and operations

"We are in the midst of a transformation of our business, from top to bottom...," Sears CEO Lou D'Ambrosio said in a statement on Tuesday.

Seattle -- Global architecture and design firm Callison has acquired New York-based Barteluce Architects & Associates.

The move expands Callison’s  luxury retail client base and strengthens its delivery capabilities, expanding its New York team to about 75 architects.