Apparel

Stage Stores shrinks loss and revenue in Q1
Houston – Stage Stores Inc. beat Wall Street expectations with a loss but missed with decidedly revenue in the first quarter of fiscal 2015. The retailer reported net loss of $8.64 million, an improvement from a net loss of $18.79 million the same quarter a year earlier.
The Howard Hughes Corp. signs retail tenants at The Metropolitan Downtown Columbia
Columbia, Md. – The Howard Hughes Corp. has signed several retail and restaurant leases for the public promenade at The Metropolitan Downtown Columbia, a new luxury apartment community located in Columbia, Maryland. As part of the transformation, The Howard Hughes Corp. recently completed the renovation of the historic Rouse Building into a flagship Whole Foods Market and a 27,000-sq.-ft.luxury spa and wellness center, as well as kicked off a multi-stage renovation of Merriweather Post Pavilion.

Urban Outfitters still struggling

The CEO of Urban Outfitters sounded a positive note about the company's omnichannel strategy despite reporting mixed financial results in the first quarter.
Dick's gets clubbed by Golf Galaxy

Lackluster traffic at its Golf Galaxy stores led Dick’s Sporting Goods to report a lackluster profit in the first quarter.
Stage Stores shrinks loss, revenue

Record Mother's Day sales couldn't lift profit at Stage Stores Inc., which narrowed its loss but reported disappointing same store sales in the first quarter.
TJX Cos. Inc. keeps the momentum going

Strong traffic continues to boost sales and profit at TJX Cos. Inc., which raised its annual guidance after reporting that earnings rose 4.5% in the first quarter.

The off-price retailer said that net sales for the first quarter ended May 2 increased 6% to $6.9 billion, and same store sales increased 5%. Net income for the first quarter was $475 million, and diluted earnings per share were 69 cents, an 8% increase over the prior year.
The Limited launches store pickup

The Limited is finally following the lead of a slew of other retailers that have rolled out buy online, pick up in store services for customers.
Urban Outfitters misses on profit, sales in Q1

Philadelphia – Urban Outfitters Inc. missed Wall Street expectations for net income, sales and same-store sales during the first quarter of fiscal 2015. Net income fell 12% to $32.78 millio,n from $37.48 million the same quarter a year earlier.

Lower margins and higher delivery and fulfillment expense helped drive down net income. Sales reached a record high of $739 million, up 8% from $686.31 million, but still fell short of Wall Street expectations. Same-store sales rose 4%.
Report: Candie’s uses Instagram as marketing springboard

Valhalla, N.Y. – Footwear brand Candie’s Inc., which is exclusively sold through Kohl’s in the U.S., is reportedly focusing on Instagram as a key platform for its spring/summer marketing campaign. According to MediaPost, Candies will post images of fashion blogger Shea Marie on Instagram.
Wal-Mart to open Neighborhood Market in Virginia center

Bentonville, Ark. – Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has signed a 42,000-sq.-ft. lease to open a Neighborhood Market at Nor-Dan Shopping Center in Danville, Virginia. The store is planned to open in 2016 and will employ approximately 95 people.

Nor-Dan Shopping Center is a 161,428-sq.-ft. community center anchored by Big Lots and It's Fashion Metro, operated by Phillips Edison & Co.
BCG Partners buys Excess Space real estate services firm

New York - BGC Partners Inc., a global brokerage company servicing the financial and real estate markets, has entered into an agreement to acquire Excess Space Retail Services Inc. Excess Space is a premier provider of real estate disposition, lease restructuring and lease renewal services, as well as related valuations for retailers nationwide and currently advises on 35.6 million-sq.-ft. of retail space in North America.
Walt Disney World resort to offer a variety of shopping, dining options

Lake Buena Vista, Fla. – Coming soon in Technicolor Walt Disney World resort will offer a slew of new shopping and dining options. Retailers including Zara, Tommy Bahama, Lilly Pulitzer, Uniqlo and Pandora are the latest to sign on as Downtown Disney continues its expansion into Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort.