Apparel

In an omnichannel world, success is based on presenting the right products in front of shoppers when — and where — they are ready to make a purchase.   Soft Surroundings quickly learned that the more it expanded however, the harder this task became. Choosing the right allocation and merchandise planning solution was only the first step in the brand’s journey. By partnering with Columbus Consulting International, the chain was able to streamline the design, deployment and implementation of its new solutions.

There’s a lot going on at the company formerly known as Quiksilver.    In a new phase of its turnaround, the company has changed its name to Boardriders, a name designed to reflect the company’s portfolio of action sports brands — Quiksilver, ROXY, and DC Shoes — which are unified by the boardriding culture and heritage.    

Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th announced plans for two new stores in Canada.   The retailer plans to open a location at CF Markville in Markham, Ontario. The approximately 27,000 sq. ft. store is scheduled to open in 2018.    “Ontario is a key market for Saks Off 5th in Canada and we’re excited to continue to grow our presence there,” commented Jonathan Greller, president, Saks Off 5th and Gilt, which are part of Hudson’s Bay Company.  

More luxury stores opened in London in 2016 than any other city in the world.   The British capital topped the global ranking for new luxury retail store openings in 2016, according to Savills Global Luxury Retail report.    The city saw a total of 41 luxury store openings during the year, (of which 15 were the respective brand’s first ever store in London), followed by Paris, with 36 openings, and New York, with 31. Rounding out the top five were Dubai (31), Hong Kong (25) and Milan (24).  

Generation Z is called the mobile-first generation. However, their preference for shopping in physical stores presents new opportunities for retailers.   That’s according to a new report from Euclid Analytics, “Evolution of Retail, 2017 Generation Z Shopper Survey,” which found that 66% of Gen Z prefer to shop in store because they like to see, hold and try on products before buying. Also, 28% want to engage with store associates while shopping, the most of any generation.  

Express Inc.’s profit plunged 59% in its fourth quarter amid increased discounting and weak mall traffic.    In reporting its fourth quarter results, the apparel retailer said it plans to improve its merchandise mix through a more curated selection.   Express’ profit decreased 59% to $22.8 million in the quarter ended Jan. 28, in line with expectations, as earnings per share fell to $0.29, from $0.67 in the year-ago period.   .

The parent of Men's Wearhouse, Jos. A. Bank and other menswear brand reported lower sales in its fourth quarter amid soft traffic across its brands.    Tailored Brands reported sales of $793.3 million in the quarter ended Jan. 28, down from $826 million a year ago. The company closed 232 stores in 2016.    The company lost 62 cents a share in the quarter, more than expected, compared with a loss of $21.86 a share in the same period a year ago.   

Brixmor Property Group has purchased Arborland Center, a 404,000-sq.-ft. center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for $102 million. The center is anchored by Kroger and Nordstrom Rack and is situated between the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University.