Apparel

Title Nine is dedicated to creating a community among its shoppers — and now its e-commerce site supports this endeavor.  

J.Crew Group is in a reorganization mode as it look to better position itself for growth.   The apparel retailer announced several strategic changes across its organization, including reducing headcount. Approximately 150 full-time and 100 open positions are being cut, mostly from corporate headquarters.     

One does not live by bargains alone, and the latest outlet center to realize that and pick up its food and beverage game is The Outlets at Legends in Sparks, Nevada.   RED Development announced that six new restaurants are slated to open at the center, including The Habit Burger Grill, Jersey Mike’s Subs, and Chick-Fil-A. A 75,000-sq.-ft. retail space expansion is also underway, led by a 40,000-sq.-ft. Burlington Coat Factory outlet with a planned opening in spring of 2018.  

Bankrupt sporting goods retailer Gander Mountain may live to see another day.   Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings Inc. is planning to bid for as many as 80% of Gander Mountain’s stores, Bloomberg reported. Gander Mountain filed for bankruptcy on March 10.  

Deckers Brands announced on Tuesday is it reviewing strategic alternatives, including a possible sale.   The decision comes as the company said it has made “significant progress” in streamlining its cost structure, optimizing its retail store fleet, and realigning its brands to improve profitability. Deckers portfolio includes the popular footwear brands Ugg and Teva.  

Much like 2016, the first quarter of 2017 has seen a slow start to consumer spending. However, just like last year, this is expected to be a temporary setback. Strong consumer confidence and income growth have set the stage for a spending bounce back in the second quarter.   

J.C. Penney is expanding its partnership with beauty giant Sephora, online and offline.    The retailer announced it will open 70 new in-store Sephora shops in Penney locations and also expand 32 existing shops by nearly 50% to accommodate more products and services. As part of the expansion, Penney will hire 800 beauty consultants. Sephora shops will be featured in nearly in nearly 650 Penney stores in 2017.