Apparel

Buckle exec retires with 40 years under her belt
Patricia Whisler played a key role in the success of The Buckle but now she is stepping down from a key role in the apparel and accessories retailer’s merchandising organization.

The Buckle, Inc. has announced that Whisler, senior VP of Women’s Merchandising, will retire from her position with the company later this spring.
HBC CEO honored as 'father of the year'

The leader of Hudson's Bay Company is also being recognized for his leadership on children's causes.

HBC CEO Jerry Stotch has been honored as a 2016 “Father of the Year.”

Belk gives new meaning to customer engagement

Belk is inviting couples engaged to be married to attend an Engagement Party during the month of February in the home department at their local store.

The promotional event will include displays of gift registry/wedding merchandise and feature refreshments, giveaways and drawings for prizes from Belk.
Star World, Huntington Park, California

Welcome to Star World, a new retail format that combines brick-and-mortar and e-commerce — with Latino sensitivity.

The 30,000-sq.-ft. store combines a streamlined environment with a high-tech business model that digitally extends its aisles into the warehouses of its suppliers via interactive in-store kiosks. Shoppers can make purchases via the kiosks, which connect directly to vendors.
Time Equities acquires Columbia Gorge Premium Outlets for $28,425,000

Troutdale, Ore. -- Time Equities announced the expansion of its Northwest portfolio with the acquisition of Columbia Gorge Premium Outlets, located in Troutdale, Oregon for $28,425,000.
Mid-America Real Estate handles sale of Broadway Commons

Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois -- Mid-America Real Estate Corporation’s Investment Sales team brokered the sale of Broadway Commons in Rochester, Minnesota. Austin, Texas-based Epic Real Estate Partners purchased the 140,578-sq. ft. property.

Broadway Commons is located at the northeast corner of South Broadway and US Highway 52. The center features national tenants including Bed Bath & Beyond, Dress Barn, DSW, Famous Footwear and Michael’s.
It’s over: Charney loses bid to return to American Apparel

It looks like the proverbial fat lady has sung for Dov Charney, the founder and ousted CEO of the troubled American Apparel.

On Monday, Judge Brendan L. Shannon of the Bankruptcy Court in Delaware approved a plan backed by a majority of the company’s bondholders. The plan would take American Apparel private and hand nearly full control to its largest lenders.
Six reasons why the RILA board just got stronger

Photo: Marvin Ellison, CEO, J.C. Penney
Holiday e-commerce customers offer mixed returns

E-commerce retailers might think new customers acquired during the holiday season are a gift, but they many not keep on giving.
Detroit’s Shinola sets sights on brick-and-mortar expansion

A specialty retailer whose tagline is “Where America is made,” is betting on brick and mortar to tell its brand story and provide more jobs.

Shinola, the Detroit-based retailer and manufacturer of pricey watches, leather goods and bicycles plans to open 10 stores this year, and 12 to 15 stores annually over the next coming years.
Dov Charney in emotional plea for American Apparel

Dov Charney, founder and outsted CEO of American Apparel, made an emotional—and meandering—plea to regain control of the company at a bankruptcy court hearing in Delaware on Thursday.

“I’m a merchant, I’m a creative artist, I’m a photographer, I’m a marketer, I’m an industrialist,” Charney said, according to the New York Times. “I don’t want to hand over my company. This is coercion.”
True Religion seamlessly keeps watch on inventory

True Religion Apparel, Inc. is leveraging a leading-edge, consumer-grade mobile device to help store associates deliver a truly omnichannel experience.