Apparel

H&M is expanding one of its lesser-known banners with two high-profile locations.   The retailer plans to open a Weekday store on Regent Street in London, and also one in Paris, according to numerous British reports. Both locations are expected to open this summer.    The brand, known for its denim offerings and minimalist basics, currently operates some 27 stores in Europe, but this will be its first in the United Kingdom and France.  

Watch out Victoria’s Secret — Amazon is moving onto your turf.   The online retail giant plans to launch a line of inexpensive bras in the United States, reported The Wall Street Journal.   The bras will be priced around $10, according to the report, which is significantly lower than the bras sold by Victoria's Secret and other lingerie retailers.   

L.L. Bean is in a cost-cutting mode.    The company, which is evaluating all aspects of its business, is offering early retirement incentives (it hopes to trim about 500 positions), freezing pensions and taking a “hard look” at its free shipping and generous re-turns policy, the Associated Press reported.   

Neiman Marcus blends a modern, luxurious design with state-of-the art technology and amenities at The Shops at Clearfork, a new open-air center in Fort Worth, Texas.   Alamo Architects took special care to ensure the exterior of store drew upon the surrounding area’s natural features and climate. The building façade, which draws inspiration from woven fabric patterns, was created with artisanal pre-cast concrete, sustainable panels.   

J.Jill Group is looking at a return to the public markets. The apparel retailer, which is owned by private-equity firm TowerBrook Capital Partners LP, announced that it has filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to a proposed initial public offering of its common stock. TowerBrook acquired J.Jill from Arcapita and Golden Gate Capital in 2015. The chain was previously owned by The Talbots.

J.Jill Group is looking at a return to the public markets.   The apparel retailer, which is owned by private-equity firm TowerBrook Capital Partners LP, announced that it has filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to a proposed initial public offering of its common stock. TowerBrook acquired J.Jill from Arcapita and Golden Gate Capital in 2015. The chain was previously owned by The Talbots.    

Nordstrom’s decision to stop carrying the Ivanka Trump brand continues to generate controversy.      On Thursday, Kellyanne Conway, counselor to the president, endorsed the first daughter’s products during an appearance on the television show, “Fox & Friends,” saying, “Go buy Ivanka’s stuff … It’s a wonderful line. I own some of it. … I’m going to give a free commercial here. Go buy it today. You can find it online.”  

A less than stellar holiday season for U.S. department stores has led Moody's Investors Service to revise its forecasts downward for the sector's operating income.   In its new report, the rating agency said it now expects 2016 aggregate operating income to decline 18%, rather than 11%, and for sales to also decline in the year ahead.  

The Iowa-based Von Maur department store chain will be installing a 90,000-sq.-ft. location at PREIT’s Woodland Mall in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in a space to be vacated by Sears. A 2019 opening is planned.   A 145-year-old, family-owned chain of 31 stores in 14 states, Von Maur’s offerings aspired to the high end with brands like Eileen Fisher, Coach, and Tommy Bahama.  

Macerich is pursuing an option to acquire land in Rosemont, Illinois, to allow it to expand its Fashion Outlets of Chicago mall there, according to the local Daily Herald.   Rosemont authorities told the news site that Macerich could draft an option agreement within the next 60 days that would give it right of first refusal on a village-owned lot east of the shopping center that currently houses The Rosemont Theatre.