Apparel

Belk to test standalone store for private-label brand
Department store retailer Belk is giving its Crown & Ivy private-label brand its very own freestanding location. The brand, which Belk launched in in 2014, will open a store at Crabtree Valley Mall, Raleigh, North Carolina, according to a report by the Charlotte Observer. Crown & Ivy offers preppy-styled apparel for women.
Iconic accessories brand to open first New York City store
Vera Bradley in entering the New York City market, opening a digitally-savvy flagship in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood. Scheduled to open in September, the two-level, 2,700-sq.-ft. store will carry the complete Vera Bradley collection, ranging from handbags and travel items to eyewear and jewelry, and debut the brand's newly redesigned logo and store concept.

The Buckle sales continue to slip in August

Following a revenue miss in the second quarter, sales continue to slide at The Buckle. For August, same-store sales fell 14.8%, a decrease exceeding the company’s 10.9% same-store loss in July, and a 10.8% drop in the second quarter. Net sales for August also dipped 14.0% to $87.2 million for the four-week period ended August 27, 2016, compared to $101.4 million for the same fiscal month last year, ended August 29, 2015.
Sales keep sliding at J.Crew

J. Crew Group’s efforts to pump up sales at its core brand didn’t quite take off in the second quarter. Total revenues at J.Crew Group decreased 4% to $569.8 million in the second quarter. Total same-store sales fell 8%, its eight consecutive quarterly decrease, with a 9% decline at the company’s namesake brand and a 3% increase at Madewell. J. Crew reported a net loss of $8.6 million, compared with $13.6 million a year ago.
Aeropostale: Not dead yet

Aeropostale may still live to see another day thanks to a last-minute bid. In a development that no one saw coming, a consortium of landlords, liquidators and others joined together to make a $243.3 million offer to save 229 Aeropostale stores, Fortune reported. The group includes General Group Properties, Simon Property Group, Gordon Brothers Retail Partners, Hilco Merchant Resources, and Authentic Brands Group.
Nordstrom reaps its own rewards from redesigned rewards program

With an eye on personalization and engagement, Nordstrom revamped its Nordstrom Rewards program -- a move that has earned the chain 1.7 million new members since its launch in May. "We heard from our customers that they wanted a more personalized and flexible loyalty program," said Chris Holloway, VP of loyalty, Nordstrom.
Foot Locker tries on new store model
Chico’s Q2 tops Street; cuts 200 jobs in corporate streamlining

Chico’s FAS reported better-than-expected second quarter earnings and announced new cost-saving measures. It also said the president of its namesake brand is stepping down.
David’s Bridal CEO steps down; replaced by former Gap head

Photo: Paul Pressler The CEO of David's Bridal is out after three years on the job. The specialty retailer said Pam Wallack has left the company, but gave no reason for her departure, the Associated Press reported. Wallack will be replaced by David’s Bridal chairman and former Gap Inc. head Paul Pressler, who once worked with her at Gap.
After 47 years, Florida retailer sets its sights on second location

The story of Hy’s Toggery has been in the making for nearly half a century. What began in 1969 as a move by company founder Hy Wakstein to establish his own high-end menswear operation after 20-plus years in the industry would ultimately become a brand that has matured into one of the most respected independent clothiers in the southeast.
Abercrombie & Fitch has changed. But do consumers realize it?

From new store prototypes to merchandise changes, Abercrombie & Fitch has been investing in efforts to transform and update its namesake and Hollister brands. Unfortunately, getting consumers to change their ideas regarding the brands is not proving all that easy, according to Columbus Business First.
End of the road for teen apparel retailer?

Things are looking bleaker for bankrupt Aeropostale. A bankruptcy court judge on late Monday rejected a request from Aeropostale to blame its bankruptcy on Sycamore Partners and block an offer from the private equity firm. Sycamore Partners confirmed it submitted a bid for the chain after the judge issued the opinion. The amount of the bid is unknown, but it may have been $150 million, which is how much Aeropostale owes two affiliates of Sycamore, Aero Investors and MGF Sourcing Holdings.