Apparel

Urban Outfitters reported disappointing results for its first quarter, weighed down by heavy promotional activity at its namesake and Anthropologie banners.    The company’s net income fell 60% to $11.94 million, or $0.10 per share, down from $29.56 million, or $0.25 per share, in the year-ago period. Analysts had expected the company to earn $0.16 per share,   

L.L. Bean is going to set up camp in Boston.   The Freeport, Maine-based retailer will open its first permanent, full-line store in an urban location in spring 2018, in the Seaport District of Boston. The store will feature active and casual apparel, outerwear, and footwear, as well as outdoor lifestyle gear curated for residents and visitors of Boston. At 8,600 sq. ft., the Boston outpost will be significantly smaller than Bean’s traditional retail footprint.  

Inland Real Estate Acquisitions has purchased an 85-unit residential property with ground floor retail in Vernon Hills, Illinois.   Constructed in 2010, The Commons at Town Center is a six-story structure consisting of 85 multifamily units and 10,609-sq.-ft of retail space. Current tenants are Sam Martirano Salon & Spa, Hawthorn Dental Associates, Eight Piece Rolls, Design Studio Jewelry, and Giuseppe’s Pizza Restaurant.   

An online menswear brand that is expanding its store footprint has expanded its senior team.      Vancouver, Canada-based Indochino has appointed Randy Binning as VP of retail operations. The 15-year Guess Inc. veteran most recently served as director of stores for Guess and Marchiano Canada. Prior that he was a regional director for Guess. Binning is charged with leading a consistent and exceptional customer experience across all locations and ensure continued profitability as the company continues to grow.  

Amazon is celebrating two decades as a public company in a big way — as an enterprise worth nearly $460 billion.   The retail giant, which began as a modest online bookstore, went public on the Nasdaq in an IPO valued at a modest $438 million. Today, Amazon has grown into an empire that not only sells books, but has become a major player across categories, including clothing, food, furniture, jewelry, private-label goods and electronics, among other segments.   

J.C. Penney got off to a rough start in the new year as it joined fellow department store operators Macy’s, Kohl’s and Nordstrom in reporting disappointing sales results.  

A specialty retailer’s new point-of-sale upgrade is helping to meet — and surpass — its customers’ expectations.   David’s Bridal has created a reputation for enabling brides—and her entire wedding party— to choose a gown right off the rack. But as it expanded its offerings and services, the retailer has also established a robust special order business.   

Retail sales increased in April, led by online, consumer electronics stores and home improvement outlets.     Retail sales in April increased 0.3% seasonally adjusted over March and 3% unadjusted year-over-year, the National Retail Federation said on Friday. The number, which exclude automobiles, gasoline stations and restaurants, was below expectations.  

Two specialty retailers are hoping to get more customers on board with e-gifting.    Lily Pulitzer and Vera Bradley have joined Loop Commerce’s e-gifting service and platform, GiftNow.   

Online retailing is on an upward trajectory that shows no sign of slowing.   In fact, the segment is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of close to 16% between 2017-2021, according to a research forecast from Technavio.