Apparel

After a 65-year run, The Andersons is leaving the retail business, closing its four big-box stores in Ohio. 

Jeff Katkowsky, VP with Sachse Construction, will share his insights and experiences as part of a panel focused on overcoming obstacles during closeouts at SPECS/2017.  

The NRF Foundation has brought together leading retailers and non-profits to launch a job training and credentialing initiative called Rise Up (Retail Industry Skills & Education).   The program is designed to help people — regardless of education, background, economic means or age — acquire the skills they need to secure jobs in retail and advance into promising careers in every aspect of retail, from in-store to digital and mobile commerce, according to the NRF.  

Limited Stores has taken another step in the liquidation process it started in December.   The women’s apparel retailer announced on Tuesday it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The chain also said it agreed to a "stalking horse" bid for its intellectual property and some related assets from an affiliate of private equity firm Sycamore Partners.     

Call 2016 the “year of promotions” in retail, with 44% of all orders during the year sold on promotion, and 67% of all orders sold using a markdown.      That’s according to the DynamicAction Retail Index: 2016 Year-in-Review and 2017 Outlook, which found that rampant promotional and markdown activity led to a 24% margin reduction for North American retailers in 2016.     

Luxottica Group, the leading eyeglass retailer with multiple U.S. store banners, has entered into a deal that would create a global giant in the optical industry.   Luxottica, whose brands include LensCrafters, Sunglass Hut, Oliver Peoples, and Pearle Vision, will merge with lens-maker Essilor International of France in a deal valued at $49 billion. The merger brings together the industry’s largest manufacturer with its leading retailer.    

Christopher & Banks Corp. on Tuesday announced the departure of its CEO, effective January 17, 2017, and also lowered its fourth quarter guidance after a dismal holiday season.    The women’s apparel retailer said LuAnn Via, president and CEO, has departed the company. Also out: board chairwoman Lisa Wardell.  

Tiffany & Co has appointed Reed Krakoff to the newly created position of chief artistic officer.   Krakoff, who previous worked with Tiffany on the re-launch of its gifts, home and accessories collections, will join the company on Feb. 1. He will direct design for Tiffany & Co. brand jewelry and luxury accessories, and also lead the brand’s artistic and design vision with respect to stores, e-commerce, marketing and advertising.