Apparel

.shopping domain is open for business
There is a new identity option for retailers eager to stand out in a competitive digital landscape. The introduction of the 'dot-shopping' (.shopping) domain provides retailers with another way to brand themselves online. Launched by domain name provider Donuts Inc., the new digital names, also called "not-com" domains, can be used as a brand’s main e-commerce name. It can also point shoppers to a company’s existing online shopping web site, or a marketing or promotional site.
Gap veteran fills top marketing spot at Old Navy
Who says you can’t go home again? Certainly not Gap Inc., which appointed Jamie Gersch as the senior VP, chief marketing officer of its Old Navy banner, reported adage.com. She replaces Ivan Wicksteed, who left the company in March. She will come aboard at the end of October.

JLL to handle leasing for Woodmore Town Centre

JLL has been selected to manage retail leasing for Woodmore Towne Center in Glenarden, Maryland, which is being expanded into a 245-acre mixed-use development. Under construction at the location east of Washington D.C. off the Capital Beltway are 1,100 residential units, two hotels, and a million sq. ft. of office space. Expansion of the retail space, which has drawn Nordstrom Rack to the center, will bring it to a total of 800,000 sq. ft.
American Eagle names new executive VP, CFO

American Eagle continues to strengthen its management team to further drive its growth. Bob Madore has been appointed executive VP and CFO, starting Oct. 28. In his new role, Madore will oversee all aspects of finance, merchandise planning and allocation, and investor relations. He will report to American Eagle’s CEO Jay Schottenstein.
REI’s DC eyes ‘free energy’

Never mind going for the gold, REI has visions of platinum — LEED platinum, that is. Outdoor retailer REI has designed its distribution center to be ‘Net Zero Energy.’ By creating a facility that produces enough renewable energy to meet its own annual energy consumption requirements, REI hopes earns LEED Platinum status — the highest level in the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) rating system.
A speedy exit for Stein Mart CEO

There is a leadership change underway at Stein Mart. Dawn Robertson resigned from her position of CEO and company direc-tor. D. Hunt Hawkins, the chain’s president and COO, has been named interim CEO.
Walmart ups the e-commerce ante

Walmart’s next e-commerce power-play is reportedly in the works. In its latest move to compete against its online nemesis amazon.com, Walmart is reportedly ready to invest up to $1 billion in Flipkart, according to an article in Quartz.
Skechers app bridges physical and digital retailing

Skechers now allows shoppers to manage their shopping experience from the palm of their hand.
Vestar Plans a refresh for California center

Pacific Commons, located in the famed Gold Rush town of Fremont, California, will be getting a refresh, said owner Vestar. The 1.2 million-sq.-ft. lifestyle and power center will be refurbished with new indoor-outdoor dining areas, trellis-enhanced landscaping, stone and wood seat walls, a fountain, and a gathering area with fire pits.
Zappos.com takes loyalty to a new level

Zappos.com has found a new way to “wow” its passionate shoppers. In a strategic move to drive engagement, the online shoe retailer launched its first-ever loyalty program. Called Zappos Rewards, the progression-based program will allow customers to earn points toward future purchases, get free expedited shipping on all orders, and receive early access to exclusive products and sales.
Cartier, Hermes to open at Stanford Shopping Center

Simon Properties has announced the impending arrivals of Cartier and Hermes at its Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto, California. This marks Hermes’ first new U.S. store in five years, according to Simon. The 6,000-sq.-ft. Hermes shop, which will reside near Neiman Marcus in the center of the newly updated center, is scheduled to open in late 2017 or early 2018. Its focus will be on men's, women's, home, and equestrian collections.
Report: Chicago startup teams with Target to take on Amazon Alexa voice search

A Chicago startup has landed partnerships with four major online retailers, including Target, to launch a product meant to rival Amazon’s Alexa, according to the Chicago Tribune.