Apparel

Former Kohl’s CIO takes IT reins at Hudson’s Bay
Toronto – Despite efforts by her previous employer to block the transition, former Kohl’s CIO Janet Schalk is joining Hudson’s Bay Co. in the same capacity. Schalk initially informed Kohl’s she would be leaving effective July 31 to take the Hudson’s Bay CIO post.
Multimedia: Nike, Seattle; Strack and Van Til, Munster, Indiana
Nike has made over its Seattle flagship with a more contemporary look and technology that help customers select running shoes that are the perfect match for their feet and gait.

A complete revamp has put a new focus on freshness and customer engagement at Strack & Van Til.

Click here to see slideshows of Nike's Seattle location and Strack and Van Til, in Munster, Indiana.

American Apparel has uncertain future

Los Angeles – American Apparel Inc., which warned shareholders of poor second quarter results last week, had more bad news this week. In addition to reporting growing net loss and shrinking net sales in a tough second quarter of fiscal 2015, American Apparel said it does not currently have enough cash to last the next 12 months and shareholders may lose some or all of their investment.
Dick’s Sporting Goods plans stores-within-stores from major brands

Pittsburgh – Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc. is partnering with two top brands to open specialty stores-within-a-store at select Dick’s locations. In a conference call with investors, Dick’s CEO Ed Stack said the retailer will pilot stores-within-a-store from Nike Air Jordan and Polo Sport later this year and next year.
Saks Off 5th coming to Austin center

New York - Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th plans to open a new store in spring 2016 at Gateway Shopping Centers in Austin, Texas. The new 50,000-sq.-ft. store will be fashioned in an open, modular layout, and feature a unique and unparalleled selection of designer finds for both men and women.
Study: Amazon prices can be beat

New York – Amazon.com provides a customer value proposition of convenience and the lowest prices. According to new analysis from managed analytics provider Ugam, competitors at least have a chance to beat Amazon on prices of some items.

Ugam conducted assortment intelligence analysis of two key sporting goods categories, identifying gaps in Amazon’s merchandising assortment and confirming that the retail giant doesn’t always have the lowest price on the most sought-after products.
Ground-up mixed-use Class A development planned for Bedford, N.H.

Dallas – Encore Retail, LLC, a subsidiary of Encore Enterprises, Inc., has acquired land to develop a 16+ acre high-density Class A mixed-use development in the affluent Town of Bedford, New Hampshire. The development is planned to be over 200,000 sq. ft. and will consist of fashion, recreation, fitness, dining and office space located in New Hampshire's retail and business hub.

The property is positioned along South River Road at the intersection of Route 101 and Everett Turnpike
TJX shows value in Q2

Framingham, Mass. – The TJX Companies Inc. showed value to its investors in a strong second quarter of fiscal 2016 where it beat Wall street expectations for both profit and sales. The elimination of a debt extinguishment loss and lower interest expenses helped push net income up 6% to $549.33 million, from $517.62 million the same period the prior fiscal year.
Abercrombie names new brand leadership team

New Albany, Ohio - Abercrombie & Fitch Co. has named a new brand leadership team the retailer hopes will collectively help drive the Abercrombie brand forward.

The new brand leadership team includes the following executives:

• Stacie Beaver, general manager for Abercrombie Womens. Having held a variety of senior positions at Abercrombie for more than 15 years, Beaver most recently led the Bottoms business for men and women across Hollister and Abercrobmie.
Another retailer enters e-commerce fray

Omaha, Neb. – The retail e-commerce landscape just got a little wider. Discount department store retailer Gordmans Inc. is jumping from operating 101 brick-and-mortar stores in 22 states to offering an e-commerce site for consumers across the country.

The online store also offers an extended assortment beyond what's available in-store. This includes broader sizes and styles in the dedicated Levi's shop, MLB, NCAA and NFL sports team apparel and an expanded selection of holiday décor.
Head Francesca’s merchant resigns

Houston – Francesca’s Holdings Corp. is looking for someone to run its merchandising operation. Sei Jin Alt, chief merchandising officer of Francesca’s, will be resigning from the company to spend more time with her family and pursue other interests.

Francesca’s has initiated a search for a new chief merchandising officer. To facilitate a smooth transition, Alt will remain in her current role until Nov. 20, 2015.
Dick's Sporting Goods scores with omnichannel

Dick's Sporting Goods says its focus on omnichannel retailing is yielding fruitful results, as the company reported an increase in profit and sales for the second quarter.

Dick’s reported net income of $90.8 million, or 77 cents per share, up from $69.5 million, or 57 cents per share, a year ago. That beat Wall Street’s average EPS estimate of 75 cents. Net sales were $1.8 billion, up 8% from $1.7 million during second-quarter 2014. Same-store sales for Dick’s Sporting Goods rose 1.5%.