Apparel

It’s a homecoming of sorts for Mark Breitbard.     Gap Inc. on Tuesday named Breitbard as president and CEO of its struggling Banana Republic division.       Breitbard served as CEO at The Gymboree Corporation from 2013 until he stepped down in early 2017. From 2010 to 2013, he held leadership positions across Gap North America, where he was instrumental in delivering the product-led resurgence of Gap’s North America business.    

DSW credits inventory management and more focused campaigns for its profit growth during the fourth quarter.   For the period ended January 28, 2017, the chain’s sales increased 0.4% to $674.6 million, including $27.9 million in revenues from Ebuys. This profit of 20 cents per share was four cents better than analysts were expecting for the quarter, however sales missed their estimates of $695.5 million.    Adjusted net income was $16.5 million, an increase of 43% over last year.

The 800,000-sq.-ft. Northwest Mall in Houston, a fixture in the northwest section of town since 1968, will close all interior stores on March 31. Tenants include Champs Sports, Factory Show Warehouse, Royal Tea Café, and the Flame & Sizzle Grill.   Only stores with outdoor entrances will remain in business. These include Thompson Antique Center, Palais Royal, and The College of Healthcare Professionals.  

Weak traffic and unseasonably warm weather impacted Bon-Ton’s earnings for the fourth quarter.   For the period ending January 28, 2017, the department store chain reported net income of $44.7 million, or $2.09 per diluted share. These earnings fell short of analyst estimates by 37 cents.   The chain reported revenue of $900 million for the period, and comparable store sales decreased 4.7%.  

An increase in revenue and comparable store sales helped Tilly’s beat analyst expectations for the fourth quarter.   For the period ended January 28, 2017, Tilly’s revenue was $160.2 million, an increase from $159.1 million last year. Net sales also topped Wall Street forecasts of $159.9 million. The chain also beat analyst predictions of earnings hitting 21 cents per share. Tilly’s posted a profit of 22 cents per share.  

Under Armour named Clay Dean as its chief innovation officer.   Dean will be responsible for driving the company's global vision and strategy for innovation, and cross-functional collaboration with the brand’s internal design, marketing, product, and category management teams. He will be based out of Under Armour's global headquarters in Baltimore, and will report to Kevin Haley, president, category management and innovation.  

Vow To Be Chic is giving shoppers access to a new line of designer bridesmaids' dresses.   The two-year-old start-up, which allows women to shop for bridesmaids’ gowns via their desktop, laptop or smartphone, will add six of the best-selling gowns from Amsale's Nouvelle Amsale line. The partnership marks the designer’s debut in the gown rental segment.   

Destination XL is expanding its presence in North America.   The male apparel retailer is opening its first Canadian store in Ajax, Ontario. The 5,028-sq.-ft. location features more than 100 brands and thousands of styles from top designers, including Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren, Buffalo Jeans, Nautica, Levi’s and Cole Haan, as well as exclusive brands, such as Brooks Brothers and Lacoste. Private-label brands Harbor Bay, 28 Degrees, Oak Hill and True Nation, round out the assortment, DXL said.