Apparel

Signet shines in Q4, ramps up store expansion
Signet Jewelers is already the world’s largest retailer of diamond jewelry and it plans to get even bigger in 2016 by accelerating new store and omnichannel growth. The news came as the chain reported a same-store sales increase of 4.9% in the fourth quarter.
Ross Dress for Less expands in Tennessee
Ross Dress for Less opened a store in Sevierville, Tennessee, on March 5.

The 25,000-sq.-ft. store is located in Sevierville Commons, 20 miles southeast of Knoxville at the southeast corner of Winfield Dunn Parkway and Old Douglas Dam Road.

The opening is part of the retailer’s 2016 expansion program, totaling about 70 new locations during the year.

Under Armour a big winner in A.R.E. Design Awards

Under Armour’s two-story flagship in Chicago took home top honors in the A.R.E.’s annual Design Awards, which were presented Wednesday in Las Vegas.

Designed by Big Red Rooster, a JLL company, Under Armour won the Store of the Year award and also took top honors in the specialty store category (over 25,000 sq. ft.). The 30,000-sq.-ft. store features the sporting goods giant’s “Brand House” format, and blends merchandise and technology with accents of localization.
Mid-America Real Estate handles sale of Fenton Commons in St. Louis MSA

Fenton Mo. -- Mid-America Real Estate Corporation’s Investment Sales team brokered the sale of Fenton Commons located in Fenton, Missouri. Colorado based GDA Real Estate acquired the 82,242-sq.-ft. property for $15 million.

Fenton Commons is anchored by Best Buy, Old Navy and Barnes & Noble with Chili’s and Bank of America.
CEO of REI joins Williams-Sonoma board

Williams-Sonoma has added some brand-building and specialty retail operations expertise to its board with the election of REI CEO Jerry Stritzke.

“We are thrilled to have Jerry join our board,” said Adrian Bellamy, chairman of the board of Williams-Sonoma Inc. “He brings extensive specialty retail experience that we believe will add great value to our board.”
Finish Line turns the corner with help from e-commerce

The Finish Line Inc. says its efforts to improve digital fulfillment rates are paying off, as the sporting goods retailer posted an increase in same-store sales in the fourth quarter.

For the fourth quarter ended Feb. 27, consolidated net sales at the Finish Line were $580.3 million, an increase of 5.2% over the prior year period. Same-store sales increased 4.6%. Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share, which primarily excludes the impact from the write-off of technology assets and store impairment charges, were 83 cents.
Sportsman’s Warehouse hunts for growth with more new stores

Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings announced plans for its most ambitious expansion program ever with 11 new stores planned for 2016 following a strong fourth quarter performance.

The Midvale, Utah-based operator of 64 stores focused on the categories of hunting, fishing and camping, opened nine stores last year which combined with its strong fourth quarter showing enabled the company to produce record results. The addition of 11 stores this year will give the company, which went public in April 2014, 75 locations in 20 predominantly Western states and Alaska.
After hot holiday, Francesca's names new CFO

Francesca’s says its fourth quarter financial results show that the retailer's growth initiatives are bearing fruit, as the company posted a big jump in same store sales over the holidays.

For the fourth quarter ended Jan. 30, same store sales at Francesca's increased 11%. Net sales increased 25% to $134.6 million from $107.6 million in the prior year quarter. Net income totaled $14.7 million, compared to $6 million in the comparable prior year period.
Vestar acquires retail center in Seattle area for $31.4 million

Tacoma, Wash. -- Vestar announced that it has acquired James Center located in Tacoma, Washington, for $31.4 million.

The 140,240 sq. ft. center is located directly across from Tacoma Community College, which enrolls nearly 14,000 students per year. James Center is anchored by Fred Meyer and Rite, as well as feature tenants: Starbucks, Subway, Verizon, Menchie’s, U.S. Bank, IHOP, FedEx Kinko’s and Ivar’s.
Nike (factory), Lubbock, Texas

Nike’s newest factory store, in Lubbock, Texas, draws inspiration from the area’s local sport culture, with special emphasis on its deep roots in football.

The local imagery in the store includes a declaration to be “Texas Tested,” which responds to the famous suggestion that if you can pass the Texas test, you can pass any test.
Ross Dress for Loss adds another location in California

Ross Dress for Less opened a new store in Port Hueneme, California on March 5.

The 23,000-sq.-ft. foot store is located at Mandalay Village Marketplace, 63 miles northwest of Los Angeles and 40 miles south of Santa Barbara, along Channel Islands Boulevard and Wheelhouse Avenue.

With this location, Ross operates 278 stores in California, its largest state. The opening is part of the retailer’s 2016 expansion program that will see it open some 70 new locations during the year.
Francesca's was a big holiday shopping destination

Francesca’s says its fourth quarter financial results show that the retailer's growth initiatives are bearing fruit, as the company posted a big jump in same-store sales over the holidays.

For the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended Jan. 30, same-store sales at Francesca's increased 11%. Net sales increased 25% to $134.6 million from $107.6 million in the prior year quarter.Net income totaled $14.7 million, or 35 cents diluted earnings per share, compared to $6.0 million, or 14 centsdiluted earnings per share, in the comparable prior year period.