Apparel

Amid weak Q4 results, Under Armour loses key exec
In addition to disappointing fourth quarter sales, Under Armour announced that its CFO is stepping down. The company reported that CFO Chip Molloy is leaving the company “due to personal reasons,” and David Bergman, Under Armour’s senior VP, corporate finance, will serve as acting CFO. Molloy will remain with the company in an advisory capacity to assist with the transition, the brand said.
H&M’s expansion plan calls for new stores and added emphasis on digital
In addition to reporting a strong quarter of earnings and store openings, H&M is slowing down its store growth and instead, bolstering its digital operations. The company, which aimed to open 10% to 15% more physical stores each year, reported Tuesday, Jan. 31, is shifting its focus to increasing its omnichannel sales — including both stores and online sales — by 10% to 15% per year, according to H&M.

Luxury retailer tops Q2 estimates

Despite a volatile global retail environment, Coach increased sales and profits for its fiscal second quarter. The luxury handbag and accessories retailer reported revenue of $1.32 billion for the quarter ended December 31, 2016, up 4% from $1.27 billion last year. The retailer’s net income was $200 million, up from $170 million in 2015.
Specialty jeweler announces key executive changes

In addition to promoting three key executives and adding a new board member, Signet Jewelers is announcing the retirement of two company leaders. The appointments include the following:
Report: Mobile investments paying off

Retailers are vying for time on their customers’ mobile devices — before, during and after a purchase. And their efforts are working.
Athleta debuts its first Fair Trade Certified styles

Athleta’s latest line will provide a premium to the female workforce that created it. The athleisure brand’s spring collection was manufactured in a factory certified by Fair Trade USA, an organization dedicated to creating social and economic opportunities for factory workers globally. For a product to earn Fair Trade certification, it must originate from a facility that operates according to the rigorous social, environmental and economic standards set in place by Fair Trade USA.
Teen apparel retailer names new chief marketer

Will A. Smith has joined Abercrombie & Fitch Co. as chief marketing officer. Smith, who will report to president and chief merchandising officer Fran Horowitz, will be responsible for all brand, creative and digital marketing across the chain.
CSA opens up nominations for ‘10 under 40’ in retail real estate

Chain Store Age has launched our annual search for 10 individuals in retail real estate we call “retail stars;” all will be featured in the May 2017 issue of CSA with bonus distribution at the International Council of Shopping Centers’ RECon event in Las Vegas! The award recognizes people under the age of 40 who are making an impact in retail real estate – whether from the tenant (retail) or the landlord (shopping center company) side.
Shoes.com shuts down operations

In an abrupt move, Shoes.com pulled the plug on its operations on Friday, Jan. 27. The company, which said in September it was preparing for its next phase of growth, took its three e-commerce businesses, Shoes.com, ShoeMe.ca and OnlineShoes.com, offline, and closed the doors to two brick-and-mortar locations in Vancouver and Toronto.
Specialty retailer preps for Olivia Palermo-inspired pop-ups during New York Fashion Week

Banana Republic will be giving shoppers a chance to buy its Olivia Palermo designs right after they appear on the runway. Upholding its “see now, buy now” presentation model, the apparel retailer will enable customers to purchase pieces from its Spring 2017 collection at pop-up shops at select Banana Republic stores on Feb. 9. The collection is based on the street-style of fashionista Olivia Palermo.
Brooks Brothers exec to head up tech at DXL

A retail veteran is leaving Brooks Brothers to join Destination XL Group. The men’s specialty apparel retailer has named Sahal Laher as its senior VP, chief digital and information officer, effective Monday, Jan. 30. Laher, Brooks Brothers’ former executive VP of digital innovation and technology and global CIO, will be the principal architect and leader of DXL’s digital commerce strategies and IT/MIS operations. Laher will also be a member of the company’s executive committee.
Hollister Co. bringing back a familiar name

Hollister Co. is reviving its intimates brand. The retailer, a division of Abercrombie & Fitch Co., is reintroducing its Gilly Hicks line of intimates, loungewear and swimwear. Gilly product can now be purchased in all of Hollister’s U.S. stores and globally online. Hollister plans to open Gilly in-store shops in selection locations “that will provide the customer a unique Gilly Hicks brand experience.”