Apparel

Rue La La is embarking on a cross-border journey.   Pure-play retailer Rue La La is going international.    The retailer is expanding its reach to members in 219 countries and territories.    By utilizing the Borderfree Retail Platform from Pitney Bowes, the brand can now support a seamless shopping experience internationally, from leveraging local currency to accessing available local shipping services, regardless of where the member is located.

Gap to shut all Banana Republic stores in the U.K.   Shoppers in the United Kingdom will soon be able to buy Banana Republic merchandise only via the chain’s website.   Gap Inc. plans to close all eight of its Banana Republic stores in United Kingdom by the end of its fiscal year, Bloomberg reported.    In May, Gap announced that it planned to shut about 75 stores across its Old Navy and Banana Republic brands, with most of the closures overseas.

That didn’t take very long.   Industry veteran Paula Schneider, former CEO of American Apparel, has been named chief executive of DG Premium Brands, whose brands include 7 For All Mankind, Splendid and Ella Moss.   Schneider took the reins of the embattled American Apparel in December 2014. She steered the chain through bankruptcy and reorganization and launched an ambitious turnaround strategy. Schneider left American Apparel in early October amid rumors that the company was on the block.

Legendary retailer Mickey Drexler, chairman and CEO of J. Crew, is working with McKinsey & Co. to develop a new business strategy for J.Crew, reported The New York Post.      J. Crew is looking to reverse a two-year slump. In its most recent second quarter, same-store sales fell 8%, the eight straight quarter of declines.   

Michael O’Hanlon, a 35-year real estate industry veteran, has been hired as OliverMcMillan’s new chief operating officer. The company’s properties include The Shops at Buckhead in Atlanta and the River Oaks District in Houston.  

Dick’s Sporting Goods has cast its eye on another bankrupt sports retailer and former competitor.   In June, Dick’s acquired the intellectual property of the bankrupt Sports Authority. Dick’s is now preparing a bid for the U.S. business of Golfsmith International Holdings Inc., according to Reuters.      In making a bid, Dick’s is going up against an offer by Worldwide Golf Shops, according to the report.     

Southfield, Michigan-based Versa Development has purchased Cascade Crossing in Sault Ste. Marie for $11.5 million.    Mid-America Real Estate Corp. handled the sale on behalf of the seller, DDR Corp.   Situated at the junction of Interstate 75 and 3 Mile Road in the Canadian border town, the 276,361-sq.-ft. center is anchored by Kohl’s, J.C. Penney, TJ Maxx, and Jo-Ann Fabrics.  

As the loyalty landscape heats up, TJX Companies is renewing its existing program to remain competitive.   The off-price retailer announced a multi-year renewal of its partnership with Synchrony, a move that will continue to support financing for its five-year-old Rewards Credit Card program.