Apparel

More good news for J.C. Penney
J.C. Penney on Monday received an official vote of confidence in its performance: an improved credit rating.

Fitch Ratings upgraded Penney’s credit rating, saying the department store retailer has “demonstrated a meaningful turnaround of its business over the last over the last two years.” Fitch upgraded Penney from B- to B with a positive outlook.
Retail revival continues in downtown Detroit
An award-winning comic book store will open in a new ground-up retail development in Detroit.

Vault of Midnight will occupy one the remaining retail spaces in The Z, which now includes several restaurants, art spaces, a sneaker shop and yoga studio.

The 2,000-sq.-ft. shop, expected to open this spring, will offer a broad selection of comic books and graphic novels as well as toys, games, action figures and branded merchandise.

A Children’s Place's Ezra Dabah returns with online shopping service for young girls

Young girls are notoriously picky about what they wear, and a new online shopping service founded by the former chairman and CEO of A Children’s Place is looking to do something about it.
Four national retailers to open at Hanford Mall

Hanford, Calif. – Passco Companies announced four leases at Hanford Mall located in Hanford, California. Set to open summer 2016, the new retailers include Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, Dunkin Donuts, and Pieology.
Another online brand gets serious about offline expansion

An online brand known for its retro-inspired Indie fashions has brought on new executives to help it move into physical retailing and build an international presence.
A sparkly fourth quarter for Signet Jewelers

Signet Jewelers attracted large numbers of Christmas shoppers over the fourth quarter as the parent company of Zales, Kay and Jared posted a jump in same-store sales.

The world's largest retailer of diamond jewelry reported that for the period ended Jan. 30, same-store sales increased 4.9%. Diluted earnings per share grew over 20%. Adjusted EPS increased over 18% and ahead of the guided range.
Macy’s details expansion plans, hints at real estate deals

Macy’s is continuing its expansion into off-price and specialty retailing.

On Tuesday, the department store retailer said it will expand its off-price Macy’s Backstage format in 2016, opening one freestanding location and 15 in-store locations in traditional Macy’s stores.

On the specialty store front, Macy will open approximately 42 Bluemercury beauty stores, with 24 freestanding locations and 18 in-store shops in Macy’s stores.
First-ever Breakout Retailer Awards at SPECS

Chain Store Age will honor the winners of its first-ever Breakout Retailer Awards, which honors emerging retail/restaurant concepts that are innovative in their segment and poised for growth, at its annual SPECS Conference, March 13-15, 2016, at the Hilton Anatole, Dallas. This year’s awards are sponsored by The Paint Folks.
A penny for their business? J.C. Penney is on a roll

J.C. Penney continues to be a bright spot in the retail sector with impressive increases in same store sales and earnings, as well as a new marketing campaign that is generating a lot of buzz.

On Thursday the retailer announced that same store sales grew 4.1 % for the fourth quarter ended Jan. 30. A combination of strong sales growth, accelerated gross margins and disciplined expense reduction resulted in full year adjusted EBITDA of $715 million, a $435 million increase.
Foot Locker runs away with record sales, profit

The CEO of Foot Locker credits the company's revised strategic framework with single digit sales gains and double digit earnings gains in the fourth quarter.

For the period ended Jan. 30, Foot Locker reported net Income of $1.14 Per Share, a 13% increase from the prior year quarter. Earnings per share were $1.16, 16% above last year. Same store sales increased 7.9%.
RCP announces $300 million mixed-use development

Atlanta -- RCP Companies announced a $300 million, experiential, mixed-use development in the heart of Henry County known as Jodeco|Atlanta South in Atlanta. Construction is expected to commence later this year with initial tenants opening doors in 2017.

Preliminary plans for the mixed-use development include retail and restaurants, an entertainment hub, amphitheatre, outdoor fitness and recreation areas and residences within an amenity-rich, urban district.
Dillard’s stocking on its own shares

Dillard’s has approved a new share repurchase program authorizing the company to repurchase up to $500 million of its Class A Common Stock.

The new open-ended authorization permits the company to repurchase its Class A Common Stock in the open market, pursuant to preset trading plans meeting the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or through privately negotiated transactions. The company completed the authorization under its previous $500 million share repurchase program during the fourth quarter of 2015.