Apparel

Like the principle of yoga, Lululemon Athletica knows the value of learning from a journey — in this case, its shoppers’ journeys.   In fact, this information will help the athletic apparel retailer hit its newest milestone: “touching one billion people and doubling our revenue over the next five years,” Miguel Almieda, Lululemon’s executive VP digital, said at last week’s NRF Convention and Expo in New York City.   

It looks like it’s curtain time for The Wet Seal.   The struggling teen retailer is closing its 171 stores, along with its headquarters in Irvine, Calif., after being unable to obtain the necessary cash infusion or find a buyer, according to several media reports.        

A veteran retail merchandiser is leaving Hudson’s Bay to join Stein Mart.   The off-price announced that MaryAnne Morin will join Stein Mart as president, effective Feb. 6, with responsibility for merchandising and marketing.      

In its newest partnership, Target has joined up with BaubleBar, the online fast-fashion jewelry brand.   The two companies have come together for a new collection, called Sugarfix by BaubleBar, that will feature original designs and pieces inspired by the brand's most popular styles. The line will be available exclusively on Target.com and in some 900 Target stores beginning Jan. 31.  

Soaring customer expectations are creating an increasingly challenging environment for brands seeking engagement.   That’s according to the 22nd annual Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index, which recognizes the brands that receive the highest loyalty and engagement assessments and surpass competitors for "delighting" customers.  

Abercrombie & Fitch is in cost-cutting mode.     The teen apparel retailer has let go 150 employees at its headquarters in New Albany, Ohio, Columbus Business First reported.    The retailer said the layoffs were part of its “ongoing cost reduction initiatives,” according to the report.  

For the first time, H&M shoppers will be able to purchase merchandise straight on the runway.   On March 2, H&M is launching its ‘See Now, Buy Now’ show, which enables customers to log onto its site and purchase items from its H&M Studio collection immediately following its presentation during Paris Fashion Week. Merchandise will also be available in select H&M stores.   

The former CEO of the nation’s top plus-size apparel chains will soon head up a food retailer.   Just days after it was revealed that Linda Heasely had left her position as chief executive of Ascena Retail Group’s Lane Bryant and Catherine’s, Honey Baked Ham Company announced that it had appointed her as its new CEO, effective Feb. 6, 2017.  

Although it’s only one of many tax proposals being floating around, the so-called border adjustment tax has raised a red flag among many retailers.    The CEO of Target Corp., Brian Cornell, recently visited Washington to lobby against the House Republican proposal, according to Fortune, which noted the visit was first reported by Politico.  

Nordstrom Rack is bullish on Chicago.    The retailer announced plans to open a store at Mellody Farm in Vernon Hills, Ill. The property, which is being developed by Regency Centers, is located 30 miles north of downtown Chicago.   The approximately 30,000-sq.-ft. store, scheduled to open in fall 2018, will be the 15th Rack store in Chicagoland following the announcement of new locations in Kildeer, Ill., and Schererville, Ind., which are opening this spring.