Apparel

Champs makes sneaker releases less sneaky
Champs Sports is joining the rapidly expanding ranks of retailers with a consumer-facing mobile app. The Champs Sports app allows customers to find upcoming sneaker launches, launch dates, and locations in which the hottest sneakers can be purchased, as well as browse and buy items from the online Champs store.

A complete release calendar allows customers to keep up with future shoe launches and be the first to know about hot, new releases. Users can also select a specific sneaker release and seamlessly add it to their iCalendar or Google Calendar.
Cult Japanese retailer lands in New York
Another global fashion retailer has made its U.S. debut.

Tokyo-based Tomorrowland , which has a cult following in its home country, has opened a store in the SoHo neighborhood of Manhattan. The retailer, which operates some 160 stores in Japan, is known for its cool fashions, upmarket prices and sleek, minimalist ambience.

The 3,200-sq.-ft. store features the brand’s exclusive men’s and women’s collections, along with a curated selection from several contemporary labels.

Former Famous Footwear exec takes top marketing role at Crocs

Crocs Inc. has promoted one of its marketing directors to be the company's next chief marketing officer,

The company announced that Terence Reilly was promoted to SVP and CMO. In this new role, Reilly will lead the global marketing team in Niwot, Colo., providing strategic direction and support to the company's regional and country marketing teams across the globe. He will continue to oversee all aspects of Crocs' marketing, including the company's brand, advertising, consumer and social media campaigns.
Online footwear retailer sprints toward faster delivery

Vancouver-based specialty online footwear retailer Shoes.com is sprinting toward new levels of fast delivery.

Shoes.com is offering home and office delivery in two hours or less on select items on its Canadian website.

The service costs $19.95 per order and launches Thursday, Sept. 17 in Vancouver and Toronto and surrounding municipalities, with plans to expand to Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal and Ottawa by the end of 2015.

Shoes.com will use a network of local fulfillment centers that have access to the retailer’s technology, operations and marketing.
Macy's has a new omnichannel payment option

Macy’s Inc. is getting in touch with a new omnichannel payment option.
Shoes.com sprints toward faster delivery

Vancouver-based specialty online footwear retailer Shoes.com is sprinting toward new levels of fast delivery.

Shoes.com is offering home and office delivery in two hours or less on select items on its Canadian website.

The service costs $19.95 per order and launches Thursday, Sept. 17 in Vancouver and Toronto and surrounding municipalities, with plans to expand to Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal and Ottawa by the end of 2015.

Shoes.com will use a network of local fulfillment centers that have access to the retailer’s technology, operations and marketing.
Ascena weighed down by writedowns in Q4

Justice continues to be a drain for the Ascena Retail Group, but in the fourth quarter Lane Bryant also proved to be a burden, as the company reported a drop in same-store sales.

The operator of Justice, as well as stores under the Lane Bryant, Cacique, Maurices, Dressbarn, and Catherines brands, said combined same-store sales declined 2% during its fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 ended July 25.
Report: Topshop pins favorite customer colors
Report details four ways retailers build customer loyalty

There are four key elements that sustain a customer’s loyalty over the long term (and price is not one of them), according to the newest research from Synchrony Financial.

According to Synchrony Financial’s 2015 Customer Experience and Impact Study, which examines 27 elements of the shopping experience, four experiences stand out as most valued by customers and translate into greater spend and loyalty for retailers.
Men’s Wearhouse brings acquired company’s warehouse up to speed

Retail acquisitions are never easy, and generally involve significant systems and process overhauls.

The June 2014 purchase of Jos. A. Bank by The Men’s Wearhouse is no exception, as evidenced by its recent upgrade of Jos. A. Bank’s warehouse management.
Hancock Fabrics, Fred's vet to be new CFO at Gordmans

Gordmans Stores has named a veteran from Hancock Fabrics to take over as CFO.

The Omaha-based apparel and home decor retailer announced that James B. Brown has been appointed executive VP and CFO effective immediately.
Burlington Stores shines a light on blood cancer

Burlington Stores is taking the lead on raising awareness of blood cancer with an in-store donation drive and employee program.

The retailer is launching its 14th consecutive company-wide campaign today in all its stores nationwide, encouraging its customers to make a donation at checkout to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society now through Dec. 2.