Apparel

Sports Authority enters the holiday hiring game
Sports Authority is joining other top retailers with plans to fortify their employee ranks for the holidays.

The sporting goods retailer announced it will hire 3,500 temporary employees across the country to meet consumer demand during the 2015 holiday season. All Sports Authority locations will begin hiring in mid-October and continue through December. Sports Authority plans to convert hundreds of seasonal workers into permanent Team Members after the holidays.
Cherokee diversifies with flip-flops
Licensed apparel company Cherokee Global Brand is acquiring a new retail chain just a few weeks after announcing its relationship with Target is ending.

An exterior with real sparkle

Maryland-based specialty retailer Smyth Jewelers and jewelry designer Uneek Fine Jewelry have installed the world’s largest engagement ring outside Smyth’s store in Timonium, Maryland.

The ring stands 17 ft. tall and measures 14 ft. wide. It is modeled after a Uneek Jewelry design and took over a year to fabricate and install. (To see a video, click here.)
RetailNext: Holiday sales expected to climb only 2.8%

A sluggish economic recovery will prevent sales from rising more than 2.8% this holiday season, according to analytics firm RetailNext.

Last week, the National Retail Federation estimated a 3.7% increase in holiday sales, slightly less than last year. Deloitte also called for a 3.5% to 4% increase. This week the International Council of Shopping Centers predicted a 3.3% increase.

RetailNext's forecast for U.S. retail stores this holiday season (November – December) includes:
French specialty retailer moves at the speed of fashion

French specialty apparel retailer Kiabi has to keep up with the constantly changing world of fashion.

Kiabi, which operates more than 500 stores in 32 countries and also has an online presence, is using the SoftwareAG webMethids API (application programming interface) management platform to enable maximum operational flexibility. Kiabi is building cloud-based systems on the API to eliminate internal silos and open core business functions, both inside the enterprise and with external business partners.
What’s in Store for the Customer Experience?

“I’ll try the red.” It’s a phrase heard in bars and restaurants across the globe. But in Nordstrom, at their tapas bar? It’s wine in a department store one week, and perhaps a pint or a flight at Bar Lamar in Whole Foods the next, because who could say no to a nice aperitif while picking up the weekly groceries?
Stark Enterprises announces retail property acquisition

Pickerington, Ohio -- Stark Enterprises acquires The Shoppes at Stonecreek in Pickerington, Ohio. The 45,000-sq.-ft. retail center is located east of Columbus and is currently 100% occupied. Featured tenants include Lifetime Fitness, Petland, Advanced Vapor, Lomonico’s and Roosters.

“This acquisition further expands our footprint outside of Northeast Ohio and is a prime opportunity for us to prove the transformational impact we have on our properties,” said Ezra Stark, COO for Stark Enterprises.
Report: American Apparel says it will turn profitable in three years

Bankrupt American Apparel predicts in its reorganization plan that it will turn profitable in 2016, the Los Angeles Times reported. The company also warned that founder and ousted CEO Dov Charney remains a risk to its future. (Los Angeles Times)
Report: American Apparel says it will become profitable in three years

Bankrupt American Apparel predicts in its reorganization plan that it will turn profitable in 2016, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The company also warned that founder and ousted CEO Dov Charney remains a risk to its future.

Read more by clicking here.
Report: Step inside American Eagle Outfitters cool headquarters

American Eagle Outfitters’ new home office, in the South-Side neighborhood of Pittsburgh, boasts a riverfront location, city views and a walking trail along the Monongahela River, reports the Pittsburgh Business Times.
RCP Companies unveils $100 million mixed-use development project

Huntsville, Ala. -- RCP Companies reveals plans for its newest development in Huntsville, Alabama, within the Central Business District. CityCentre at Big Spring is a $100 million mixed-use development project integrated within Big Spring on nine acres downtown and between Von Braun Center and Twickenham Square.

Site demolition has been completed with construction expected to commence by year-end and phase one opening in 2016.
Online athleisure wear brand raises $7 million; plans to expand, open pop-up

As consumers continue to embrace athleisure wear, retail startups are clamoring to bust into the multi-billion dollar industry. Outdoor Voices – a chic athleisure wear brand for men and women, founded by 27-year-old designer and CEO Tyler Haney in 2012 – is doing a fine job of getting its foot in the door.