Apparel

Ross Stores expands Chicago footprint
Ross Dress for Less on March 5 opened two new stores in the Chicago area.

The retailer opened a 27,000-sq.-ft. location in Berwyn, in Cermak Plaza, nine miles west of downtown Chicago at the southeast corner of West Cermak Road and Harlem Avenue.

It also opened an Archer Heights location, a 25,000-sq.-ft. store in the Pulaski Promenade, nine miles southwest of downtown Chicago at the northwest corner of 42nd Place and Pulaski Road.
Tanger eyes checkered flag with latest project
The newest addition to a Texas-sized mixed-used development taking shape north of Fort Worth is a 350,000-sq.-ft. retail project from Tanger Factory Outlet Centers.

Gap is exclusive winner of inclusion award

Gap Inc. CEO Art Peck was in New York on March 16 to receive the 2016 Catalyst Award from an organization focused on accelerating progress for women through workplace inclusion.
Finish Line names Hudson’s Bay exec as CIO

Finish Line has hired a high power technology executive to make sure it avoids recent technology implementation challenges in the future while keeping pace with athletic footwear consumers’ desire for an omnichannel experience.
Tech Guest Viewpoint: Digital convergence gets interesting

RSR has been tracking retailers' e-commerce strategies for more than five years. During that time we’ve seen interest in a major platform refresh, the introduction of mobile and social as e-commerce considerations, as well as convergence – where retailers increasingly view mobile and other non-commerce online activities in the context of their overall "digital" strategy, with their e-commerce platform as the centerpiece.
The Wilder Companies awarded new shopping center leasing and management contract

White Plains, N.Y. -- The Wilder Companies announced it was awarded the leasing and management contract for The Source at White Plains, a specialty shopping center in White Plains, New York.

The Source at White Plains is a 250,000 sq. ft., four-story shopping center with adjoining parking garage. The center feature retailers include: Whole Foods Market, Dicks Sporting Goods, Raymour & Flanigan, The Cheesecake Factory, Morton’s The Steakhouse, and Destination Maternity.
H&M launches garment 'rehaul' with M.I.A.

H&M is joining forces with one of the most influential urban artists in music on a campaign with appeal to many of today's fashion shoppers.

From April 18 to April 24, H&M aims to collect 1,000 tons of unwanted garments from customers in its more than 3,600 stores worldwide. The initiative is part of H&M’s goal to close the loop in fashion by recycling garments to create reusable textile fibers.
CSA’s First-Ever Breakout Retailer Awards: A look at the winners

The retail industry is not lacking for new concepts — new players are constantly entering the market, both online and offline. But breaking through and establishing a record of success is another matter entirely. In this special section, Chain Store Age presents the winners of its first-ever Breakout Retailer Awards, brands that have crossed the “newbie” line and are on track for growth in the coming years.
Iconic New York off-pricer signs on for American Dream

A new tenant has been added to the lineup at American Dream, the mega retail and entertainment destination under construction in East Rutherford, New Jersey: Century 21.

The off-pricer will open a nearly 60,000 sq. ft. location at the long-delayed center, which when completed will boost such attractions as an indoor water park, a Lego Discovery Center, a 16-story indoor ski and snow park, a miniature golf course — and more than 450 retail stores.
Profit rises 14% at Children's Place in Q4

The Children's Place posted strong same-store sales for the fourth quarter as the children’s clothes retailer also released an upbeat forecast for the year.

For the fourth quarter ended Jan. 30, net sales increased 4% to $498.5 million. Same store sales increased 6.7%. Net income was $17.5 million, or 87 cents per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2015, compared to net income of $17 million, or 79 cents per diluted share, the previous year.
Can retailers count on the Bieber effect this spring?

Retailers who sell Calvin Klein brand apparel are watching sales closely to see how the fashion brand is impacted by a new deal with pop star Justin Bieber that changes how brands engage with celebrities to drive sales.

Bieber has embarked on a world tour for the first time in four years to support his new best-selling album "Purpose" – and help sell Calvin Klein products. That’s good news for retailers because Bieber has lots of fans and the Calvin Klein brand will be deeply woven into live performances and integrated into social media efforts.
DSW is edging closer to 500-store mark

DSW Inc. says strong sales in the fourth quarter show that its growth strategy is working, and the retailer says it plans to open at least 34 new stores this year.

For the fourth quarter ended Jan. 30, the company reported a profit of $11.8 million, or 14 cents a share, down from $30.8 million, or 34 cents a share, a year earlier. Revenue rose 5% to $672 million. Same-store sales increased 0.7%.