Apparel

Lululemon has named a new chief technology officer.   According to a report in GeekWire, Julie Averill is joining the retailer as its new executive VP and chief technology officer. Currently, Averill is the CIO at REI.  

David’s Bridal has entered a brand new market.    David's Bridal has partnered with Diltex, a leading manufacturer and retailer of intimate apparel in Mexico, to open its first franchise location in Mexico City. The store opens on Saturday, May 20, 2017.   

A department store chain is pursuing a new business opportunity.   J.C. Penney now offers business-to-business solutions for operators and facility managers in the hotel and lodging industry, as well as the multi-unit residential industry. And the chain has a few categories that fit the bill.   

Destination XL Group Inc. posted disappointed earnings and sales in its first quarter, but sounded a confident note that it was back on track.   In its quarterly earnings release, the big-and-tall apparel retailer also refuted a recent report, which it said had been repeated by various media outlets, that called into question the company’s ability to repay its debt.  

The Buckle is losing its finance chief.   The apparel retailer on Thursday said that Karen B. Rhoads, senior VP of finance and CFO, will retire later this summer. She will continue to serve as a member of the board. Rhodes joined the Buckle in 1980, and has served as CFO since 1991.     The retailer has hired an executive search firm to assist with the search for Rhoads’ replacement. Rhoads will remain in her role to support the search and to assist with the transition.  

With its epic product launches, Nike’s digital channels can get unprecedented levels of interest and demand. And crashes are unacceptable.   The athletic goods giant is on pace to hit $50 billion in revenue by 2020, a goal that Nike expects to hit with the support of its digital strategy, according to Mike Wittig, VP infrastructure, Nike.   

Meijer is expanding its already considerable footprint in its home state of Michigan.    Meijer on Thursday opened its first locations in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula area, in Escanaba and Sault Ste. Marie. The 192,000-sq.-ft.-supercenters, built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, are the latest in a $375 million investment this year that includes the construction of seven new Meijer supercenters and remodel projects for 22 additional stores in Indianapolis, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio and Kentucky. 

Original Penguin has opened a pop-up in Aspen. The 800-sq.-ft. shop reflects the brand’s upcoming new store concept, which is based on a well-balanced, playful aesthetic that the company’s describes as “mid-century quirk.” At the same time, the store design is quintessentially Original Penguin with nods to the retailer’s 60 years of heritage. Walnut wood textures against crisp, white backdrops create warmer tones throughout the store.  

The Azarian Group has acquired The Livingston Town Center in Livingston, New Jersey in a $21.2 million trade arranged by Cushman Wakefield.   The 11-year-old lifestyle retail property houses a diverse mix of 28 restaurants and shops, including Fan Bistro, an upscale Asian spot, Restore Cold Pressed Juices, and Dentistry with a Smile. Fit 36 and Xtend Barre are scheduled to open there soon.    

Gap Inc.’s reported a 12% jump in first quarter profit amid another strong performance from its Old Navy division.    Net income rose to $143 million, or 36 cents per share, in the quarter ended April 29, from $127 million, or 32 cents per share, a year earlier. Its results easily beat the Street, which had predicted earnings of 29 cents per share.