Apparel

President Trump’s real estate compadres at CBL and Horizon Group are no doubt hoping he holds off on building that wall.   The companies opened The Outlet Shoppes in the Texas border town of Laredo this week and report experiencing high traffic and sales volumes, in large part due to Mexica shoppers flocking to the site.  

eBags is about to embark on a new journey.   The online luggage retailer is being acquired by Samsonite International. The deal, which is valued at $105 million, is part of Samsonite’s ongoing strategy to accelerate the growth of its direct-to-consumer, e-commerce business, and strengthen its existing digital capabilities, the company reported.   

Academy Sports + Outdoors is bolstering its executive team.   The sporting good chain appointed Sam Johnson as its executive VP of retail operations, effective April 24. In his new role, Johnson will oversee the day-to-day operations of Academy's more than 225 stores, as well as lead the store support team.  

Footaction opened the doors to its newest flagship store — its first outside of the United States.   The store, which is located in the Toronto Eaton Centre in Canada, features 6,500 square-feet of premium retail space. Presenting a unique layout, the new Footaction store is organized largely by brand, rather than by product category — a move that enhances the customer shopping experience.   

Hudson’s Bay Co.’s newest executive is joining the company just in time to lead the European division’s next phase of development.   Dr. Wolfgang Link will become CEO of HBC Europe, effective May 1. He will lead the expansion and growth strategy for the department store’s European business, including Galeria Kaufhof, Galeria Inno, and the entrance of Hudson’s Bay and Saks OFF 5TH. Reporting to HBC’s CEO Jerry Storch, Dr. Link will also oversee the European management team.  

In a move to avoid filing Chapter 11, the fashion retailer is planning to shutter approximately 12% of its stores.   The closures will incur an impairment charge of approximately $2.0 million and will make a termination payment to the landlord of approximately $7.4 million, according to a filing the chain made on April 4, with the Securities and Exchange Commission.   

Coach Inc. has tapped a 26-year fashion veteran to lead the company as its expands its brand portfolio.   Joshua Schulman has been named president and CEO of the Coach brand, effective June 5. In this newly created role, Schulman will be responsible for all aspects of the brand globally, reporting directly to Victor Luis, CEO of Coach, Inc. This new leadership structure follows the 2015 acquisition of Stuart Weitzman, and is an important step in Coach, Inc.’s evolution as a customer-focused, multi-brand organization, the retailer said.

Rue21 could be the next chain headed toward bankruptcy.   The teen apparel retailer, which is backed by private equity firm Apax Partners, is preparing to file for bankruptcy as soon as this month, according to Bloomberg.