Apparel

As retailers consider how to best use physical spaces in a digital world, Nordstrom is going "local," debuting a small-format concept that has no dedicated inventory.

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A new Alexa skill is helping Perry Ellis’ customers dress for any occasion.   The menswear brand is assisting its shoppers with the “Ask Perry Ellis” Amazon Alexa skill. Called the first-of-its-kind, voice-activated skill, the technology supports a modern, frictionless shopping experience that enables customers to use their voice to find the right look, and shop for merchandise.   

With department stores being replaced by gyms and office space, retail tenants who signed on for the traffic generated by traditional anchors are of the opinion that the co-tenancy clauses in their leases need restructuring. At a forum staged by Jones Lang LaSalle at its New York office yesterday, two noted mall developers agreed.  

Staying true to its “thrifty” roots, Savers has added a robust wireless solution without breaking the bank.  

Gymboree has emerged from bankruptcy with a reduced footprint — and with new owners.   The children's apparel retailer announced Friday that it has successfully completed its financial restructuring and emerged from Chapter 11 as a new corporation under the name Gymboree Group. The company exited bankruptcy with a reorganization plan that includes a comprehensive recapitalization that will eliminate more than $900 billion in debt and a reduced store footprint.   

M.Gemi, the Boston-based Italian-made footwear brand, is using a digital tool to drive in-store customer satisfaction.   The direct-to-consumer retailer, which was founded online but recently jumped to the physical space, has launched an app for store associates that combines online and offline functions, allowing associates to provide an elevated experience for store shoppers.     

NewMark Merrill Mountain States this week issued a double-barreled press release: It closed on a $62 million refinancing of the Village at the Peaks and opened the Boulder-area center at close to 90% capacity.   The $100 million, 442,000-sq.-ft. had been under development for five years in a public/private partnership between NewMark Merrill and the city of Longmont. New financing was provided by Allianz Real Estate of America.