Apparel

A value-oriented regional department store chain could be the latest retail casualty.   Gordmans Stores Inc. is preparing to file for bankruptcy, Bloomberg reported, saying the filing could occur as soon as this month.    Founded in 1915, the Omaha-based retailer operates 106 stores in 22 states.  

CBL has sold Cobblestone Village, ad 96,891-sq.-ft. center in Palm Coast, Florida, to RCG Ventures, a privately funded real estate investment group. The selling price was not disclosed.   The Belk-anchored center is a quarter-mile from the Interstate 95 interchange and is adjacent to Lowe’s and Walmart. It was “highly sought after by a variety of institutional and private investors,” said John Crossman, president of Crossman & Company, which handled the sale on behalf of CBL.  

Pandora UK is embarking on a new strategy to engage with shoppers post-purchase.   The jewelry retailer is partnering with Ecrebo to provide shoppers with digital receipts that are emailed to shoppers following their in-store transaction. When the receipt arrives in their inbox, shoppers have the option to opt-in to receive regular newsletters, and share feedback about their in-store experience.   

Saks Fifth Avenue is adding to its store fleet up north.   On Thursday, March 9, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th will open two new locations in the greater Toronto area,      “This month marks our one year anniversary of entering the Canadian market, and we’re excited to continue our Canadian expansion with two new stores in the GTA,” said Jonathan Greller, president, Saks Off 5th and Gilt.   

Wet Seal was acquired at a bankruptcy auction by a firm that plans to rebuild the brand.    Gordon Brothers announced it is acquiring the Wet Seal brand and its related intellectual property. The transaction is pending final court approval.   The acquisition includes the other brands within the Wet Seal portfolio, including Arden B, Blink, Chic Boutique and several others.   

Four retailers and one fast-casual restaurant chain will be honored with Chain Store Age’s annual Breakout Retailer Awards at SPECS/2017. The awards, sponsored by Paint Folks, recognizes innovative retail and restaurant brands that have crossed the “newbie” line and are well positioned for growth in the coming years.  

While many retailers struggle to find the best mobile marketing formula, Urban Outfitters is bucking the trend — big time.   Through a partnership with Appboy and PlaceIQ, the specialty retailer is using consumer behavior, location data and insights to more smartly deliver consumer messages within its brand-owned app. Armed with this data, Urban Outfitters has boosted customer conversions by 75% and increased related revenue by 146%, the chain said.  

A store designed by women and for women. That’s Sport Chek Women, which made its debut on Thursday at CF Chinook Centre, in Calgary.