Apparel

Photos: Ric Kallaher   Victorinox Swiss Army has opened its doors in New York City’s Rockefeller Center.   The store, the brand’s eighth location in North America, is designed to create an immersive experience into the company’s Swiss heritage amid a modern environment that reflects the company’s commitment to quality, functionality, iconic design and innovation.  

A Victorian-era psychiatric hospital in Poughkeepsie, New York, that’s been out of commission for 15 years will be the site of a mixed-use community of 750 residential units and 350,000 sq. ft. of retail space.   The old Hudson River State Hospital will make way for Hudson Heritage, a $250 million redevelopment project that will preserve key structures of the classic building in an attempt to create a thriving new community on the long-abandoned 156 acres.  

Coach Inc. is appointing Wendy Kahn, as CEO and brand president – Stuart Weitzman, effective Sept. 13, 2016.   Kahn will succeed Wayne Kulkin, the brand’s current CEO, who will become a consultant to Coach. She joins the luxury retailer from Valentino Fashion Group, where she currently holds the position of CEO – Valentino, USA and V.F.G., USA & Canada. Previously, Kahn served as senior VP of sales, marketing & retail for Valentino from 2006-2008.  

Specialty apparel retailer The Children’s Place Inc. is partnering with marketing and loyalty solutions provider Alliance Data Systems Corp. to launch a new private label credit card.  

Toronto-based general merchandise retailer Canadian Tire Corp. has made a sudden shift at the top of the company’s executive structure.   Stephen Wetmore, who previously served as CEO of Canadian Tire from 2009-2014, has been named president and CEO of the company, effective immediately. Wetmore, who has remained on the board of directors after leaving the CEO post, will remain a director of the company but step down as deputy chairman of the board.  

Consumers are not skimping on back-to-school spending this year, and brick-and-mortar retailers have extra reason to celebrate.   The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) has released its annual back-to-school consumer survey results, finding an overall uptick in spending. The average back-to-school (BTS) shopper is expected to spend $657, with 78% expecting to spend more than the prior year.  

Amazon provided some general data on the performance of Prime Day, but now more information is coming out courtesy of several third-party analysis providers.  

Results of the 2016 Harris Poll EquiTrend Retail Brands of the Year study show that some retail chains truly “get it” when it comes to engaging consumers.   Two retailers were named top brand in their respective categories for the fourth straight year. These are the Home Depot, which has been named hardware and home brand of the year. And Kohls.com, which has been named online department store brand of the year.