Apparel

Macy’s, Inc. has named Elisa D. Garcia as chief legal officer, effective Sept. 7, succeeding Dennis J. Broderick, who is retiring after 29 years.   Garcia, 58, has served in the same capacity for Office Depot since 2013. She was executive VP/general counsel for Domino’s Pizza prior to that.  

When it comes to back-to-school shopping, kids have all the power – and they strongly prefer shopping in-store. A recent study by Citi Retail Services revealed that kids wield extraordinary power over back-to-school purchase decisions, and those decisions include shopping for goods in physical stores.  

No big surprise that apparel continues to be the most popular retail category across all channels, but what is noteworthy is that clothing purchases show no sign of slowing, particularly online.   A survey by Onestop Internet revealed that the apparel category is driving online growth, with 45% of respondents saying they plan to buy more clothing online than any other retail category in the next 12 months.  

In its search to find the right financial overseer, Destination Maternity Corp. didn’t have to look any farther than the auto parts industry.   On Monday, the maternity apparel retailer named David Stern, former CFO of Pep Boys – Manny, Moe and Jack, as executive VP and CFO, charged with leading the finance and accounting, real estate, loss prevention and procurement areas of the company.   Stern will report to CEO Anthony Romano.  

Rethinking its earlier turnaround plans, a century-old Canadian jewelry chain has announced it will shutter all stores.    Winnipeg-based Ben Moss Jewellers, which has sold mid-to-high-priced jewelry since 1910, said it will close the 54-unit chain and has launched going-out-of-business sales that began on Saturday, July 30.     The liquidation efforts are being handled by Gordon Brothers Canada, ULC and Hilco Global (through its Canadian division, Merchant Retail Solutions).  

With the addition of Jembro Stores and Cricket Wireless, Saddle Brook Square – in Saddle Brook, New Jersey – has reached full occupancy, according to brokerage firm Ripco Real Estate, which has led the leasing efforts.   The 221,892-sq.-ft. shopping center is anchored by Walmart, TJ Maxx, Modell’s, and 24 Hour Fitness. Jembro Stores, a regional discount retailer, will occupy 5,280 sq. ft. adjacent to TJ Maxx. Cricket Wireless occupies 2,100 sq. ft.  

The man behind Under Armour has big plans for Baltimore -- so big, in fact, that local leaders say his ideas could revitalize the city, or not.   Click here for more.

A key player in Under Armour’s effort to increase sales of women’s goods is leaving to join Starbucks Corp. But first she has to learn how to serve up espresso.