Apparel

T.J.Maxx seeks budding artistes
T.J.Maxx has come up with a creative way to encourage shoppers to support children in need.

The retailer is launching the "Maxx Kids Art Contest" to support organizations that help children in need reach their full potential, such as Save the Children. Winning artwork will appear on future products sold in T.J.Maxx stores that will benefit children in need. In addition, all winners will receive a $250 savings bond.
Report: The money behind women’s closet doors
New York -- Women have a real investment hiding in their closets, according to a survey by Alliance Data’s Card Services business, which manages store-brand credit card programs for retailers.

One-fourth of survey respondents indicated the total value of the items in their closet to be from $1,000 to $2,499, and 17% valued the contents between $5,000 and $9,999.

Four insights from J.C. Penney’s top two execs

New York -- J.C. Penney CEO Myron Ullman and CEO-designee Marvin Ellison shared their thoughts on the company and its strategy going forward at a recent presentation to analysts.

For the story, click here.
Happily Eva after for New York & Co.

Customers have responded so well to New York & Company’s collaboration with Eva Mendes that the retailer has extended its deal with the Cuban-American actress.

Launches in 2013, the Eva Mendes Collection features five seasonal assortments and 11 unique deliveries a year, which feature apparel and accessories.
Ex-Walmart exec is new co-owner of N.Y. retailer

A former Walmart executive has joined with a real estate executive to expand New York City-based luxury home décor retailer Gracious Home.
Jared opens new store banner

Garden City, N.Y. -- Jared The Galleria of Jewelry has devoted an entire store to one of its product brands.

The new store, Le Vian by Jared, is located at the Roosevelt Field Mall, Garden City, New York, and features the full Le Vian product line, from jewelry and timepieces to handbags and scarves. The space features curated in-store boutiques devoted to the individual product categories.
Borderfree adds 120 markets

New York - Borderfree, provider of international cross-border e-commerce solutions, has expanded its platform to reach more than 220 countries and territories. This expansion of scope includes an additional 120 countries and 15 currencies.

Key emerging luxury markets Borderfree will now sell to include Nigeria and Kazakhstan. Both markets offer opportunities for e-commerce expansion due to increasing smartphone saturation and discretionary spending.

The additional countries will be available to Borderfree customers starting this June.
Eddie Bauer comes to Legacy Place center in Massachusetts

Dedham, Mass. – The Legacy Place shopping center is opening an Eddie Bauer location on July 2. The Legacy Place store will feature outerwear, apparel, footwear, gear, and accessories for men and women.

“Eddie Bauer not only enhances the overall merchandise mix of the center, it also adds another reason to make Legacy Place your first choice shopping destination” said Beth Winbourne, general manager, Legacy Place.
Anthropologie veteran joins West Elm

Brooklyn, N.Y. - Home furnishings retailer West Elm has named Johanna Uurasjarvi as senior VP of design, responsible for guiding the overall creative direction of the West Elm brand across its retail, catalog and online channels. She will lead the product design team and report to West Elm president Jim Brett.
Trans World parent company names new merchandising chief

Albany, N.Y. - Scott Hoffman has been named chief merchandising officer of Trans World Entertainment Corp., owner of the FYE music/video/video game chain. In his new role, Hoffman will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of merchandising strategy.
Rent the Runway taps industry vet for key position

New York - Fashion retailer Rent the Runway has hired industry veteran Chris Halkyard as the company's first chief logistics officer, effective Aug. 1. In his role, Halkyard will oversee Rent the Runway's logistics platform, including the company's proprietary reverse-logistics operations and transportation network.
Godwin plaza in New Jersey to undergo renovation

Midland Park, N.J. – The 22,000-sq.-ft. Godwin Plaza mixed-use center is to undergo a major renovation and repositioning beginning in the second half of this year. The center was purchased in 2014 by Accordia Realty Ventures of Fairfield, New Jersey with the intention of transforming it.