Apparel

If the major suppliers of soft goods such as clothing and accessories to retail stores are a bellwether of the economy, then the coming months are looking to provide a jolt as 75% of these suppliers expect retail sales to significantly outpace the gross domestic product for the spring and summer shopping season.

That’s one of the major findings of a new survey conducted by Capital Business Credit.

As it moves to distance itself from the turbulence that marked its past two years, American Apparel Inc. has named three apparel industry executives to its revamped board of directors.

The retailer, which emerged from bankruptcy protection in February, appointed Paul R. Charron, former CEO of Liz Claiborne, as chairman, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Former Walgreens and Tyson Foods executive Wade Miquelon was named CFO at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores.

Jo-Ann said as CFO Miquelon would oversee the retailer’s finance organization, real estate, information technology and general counsel.

Ross Stores has ambitious store expansion plans for 2016—and sees plenty of potential beyond that.

The off-price retailer opened a total of 22 Ross Dress for Less and six dd’s Discounts stores across 15 different states in February and March.

The new locations are part of the company’s 2016 expansion plans to add approximately 70 Ross and 20 dd’s Discounts locations throughout the year.

One of the most buzzed-about retail brands is setting up shop — temporarily — in some hip hotels.

Canadian apparel retailer Kit and Ace is opening a a series of pop-ups in collaboration with luxury hotels in major cities across the globe. The pop-up, called “The Carry-on,” will make its debut in April, at the Hotel Zetta in San Francisco (for full listing, see end of article). It will offer a selection of easy-pack, carry-on essentials from Kit and Ace.

The Children’s Place has appointed an expert in financial auditing to its board.

The compay said John E. (“Jeb”) Bachman has been named to the company’s board of directors, effective immediately. Bachman will serve as an independent Class I Director and will stand for election at the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Bachman will serve on the audit committee.

Destination Maternity says its turnaround efforts are working to drive long-term growth despite a decrease in same-store sales during the fourth quarter.

The company said that for the fourth quarter ended Jan. 30, same-store sales decreased 3.5%. The retailer's net loss improved to $3.1 million compared to a net loss of $17 million in the prior year quarter. Net sales were $118.3 million, compared with $121.2 million for the comparable three month in 2015.

Philadelphia -- CBRE Group announced that Steven H. Gartner has been appointed to managing director of retail for the Greater Pennsylvania Region. Gartner will lead CBRE’s retail brokerage platform throughout the region, driving growth and creating a cohesive and collaborative service offering for retail clients, as well as continue to actively maintain strategic client relationships both in Philadelphia and across the country.