Apparel

RCS Real Estate Advisors has begun the process of selling Hancock Fabrics' 185 leases to generate value for the estate.

The move, which comes following Hancocks' February bankruptcy announcement represents the next step in the recent retention of RCS by Hancock Fabrics, debtor-in-possession (DIP) that has been approved by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.

Brand awareness and sales growth are accelerating at Duluth Holdings where the company’s rapidly expanding store base is so young it won’t be able to report same-store sale growth until 2017.

Belleville, Wisconsin-based Duluth Holdings, known to customers as Duluth Trading Company, grew sales 27.5% to $140.4 million and net income increased 25.8% to $17.5 million, or 58 cents a share, during the quarter ended Jan. 31. For the full year, total sales rose 31.2% to $304 billion. Net income grew 16.1% to $27.4 million, or $1.06 a share.

Hunter, the British brand best known for its signature boot, has landed in Japan with style, opening a 3,100-sq.-ft. flagship that targets fashion-focused customers.

Designed by Checkland Kindleysides in collaboration with Hunter creative director Alasdhair Willis, the two-level store features the distinctive DNA of the brand’s London flagship, which offers a modern spin on the British countryside, but in a less literal sense,

Durham, North Carolina -- InvenTrust Properties announced that it has acquired Renaissance Center, a 96% leased, 363,176 sq. ft. retail power center, in Durham, North Carolina, for $129.2 million.

MBH Architects, Alameda, California, announced the appointment of a new principal, Dimple Manghani, who previously led the retail team as a senior associate and studio director.

A licensed architect and a LEED accredited professional, Dimple has 12 years experience building relationships with such clients as Williams-Sonoma, Levi’s, and H&M. Additionally, she is responsible for the acquisition of the firm’s luxury retail clients, including Dior and Tiffany & Co.

In a not unexpected move, beleaguered teen apparel retailer Pacific Sunwear of California Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy court protection.

In a court filing on Thursday in Delaware, the Anaheim, California-based retailer listed assets in the range of $50 million to $100 million and liabilities of between $100 million and $500 million. It listed Simon Property Group and Nike Inc. among its top creditors. The chain named RCS Real Estate Advisors, New York, as its real estate advisor.

L Brands’ Victoria’s Secret division had a record year in 2015, which is why chairman and CEO Leslie Wexner believes now is the best time to narrow the brand’s focus and simplify the operating model to drive long-term growth.
 

Howard Hughes Corp. has added a fast-growing Dutch fashion brand to its lineup for its Seaport District revitalization project in lower Manhattan.

The developer has signed a lease with Scotch & Soda to set up shop in the shopping area which, when completed, will encompass seven buildings on several city blocks totaling over 365,000 sq. ft., with a mix of dining, shopping, entertainment and cultural offerings.