Apparel

Mills Fleet Farm has ended its hunt for a CEO.   The Midwest retailer announced the appointment of Derick Prelle as president and CEO succeeding Wayne Sales, who has been serving as interim chief since January 2017. Sales was given the position following the departure of Duncan MacNaugton, who left to become president and COO of Family Dollar.   

Gymboree has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.    The retailer announced the filing, which had been expected, on Monday morning. The chain said it has partnered with AlixPartners to assist with turnaround efforts.   

Blue Nile has a new chief executive.   Jason Goldberger was named the online retailer’s new president and CEO. He will replace Harvey Kanter, who will remain on the company’s board as chairman.  

Bankrupt fashion retailer BCBG Max Azria Group has reached an agreement on a comprehensive restructuring.   It includes the possible sale of nearly all the retailer's assets to Marquee Brands LLC and Global Brands Group Holding Limited. The completion of the transactions with Marquee and Global Brands are expected to immediately follow approval by the United States Bankruptcy Court. The expected closing date is no later than July 31, 2017.   

Ascena Retail Group, operators of such brands as Ann Taylor, Lane Bryant and Dressbarn, is planning to close hundreds of stores. The news came on the heels of a brutal third quarter.   The company reported a net loss of $1.031 billion, or $5.29 per diluted share in the third quarter ended April 29, compared to net income of $15 million last year, or $0.08 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter.   

One of the nation's most successful department store retailers may remove itself from the scrutiny and pressure of Wall Street.    

It’s closing time for Bebe Stores.   The struggling apparel retailer said on Wednesday, June 7, that it reached agreement with substantially all of its retail store landlords to terminate their existing leases. The cost to terminate the leases is estimated to be approximately $65 million.  

Duluth Trading Company continues to grow its sales and store footprint.    The retailer of men’s and women’s workwear, casual clothing, and accessories reported that net sales increased 21.9% to $83.7 million in the quarter ended April 30, up from $68.6 million in the prior-year first quarter. It was the company's 29th consecutive quarter of increased net sales year-over-year.