Apparel

DSW Inc. says strong sales in the fourth quarter show that its growth strategy is working, and the retailer says it plans to open at least 34 new stores this year.

For the fourth quarter ended Jan. 30, the company reported a profit of $11.8 million, or 14 cents a share, down from $30.8 million, or 34 cents a share, a year earlier. Revenue rose 5% to $672 million. Same-store sales increased 0.7%.

Stein Mart has named a new CEO just a week after a tough fourth quarter in which the retailer posted a decline in profit.

The Florida-based company says it has appointed Dawn Robertson as CEO and a member of the board of directors. Robertson will also have the responsibilities of chief merchant for the foreseeable future, the company said. She succeeds Jay Stein, the company's founder and long standing CEO, who had advised the board of his desire to step back from that position but remain Stein Mart's chairman of the board.

The Children's Place posted strong same-store sales for the fourth quarter as the children’s clothes retailer also released an upbeat forecast for the year.

For the fourth quarter ended Jan. 30, net sales increased 4% to $498.5 million. Same store sales increased 6.7%. Net income was $17.5 million, or 87 cents per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2015, compared to net income of $17 million, or 79 cents per diluted share, the previous year.

The “March Madness” college basketball tournament will no doubt a major trending topic on social media for the next few weeks, and sporting goods retailer The Finish Line Inc. is joining the craziness.

The Finish Line is offering customers two opportunities to digitally celebrate March Madness games this year. The retailer is offering a Finish Line Bracket Challenge for its Winner’s Circle loyalty program members with a top prize of $5,000, as well as the #CallYourShot social campaign that will last the duration of the tournament.

Earlier this month, DSW announced plans to acquire Ebuys Inc. an off-price footwear and accessories e-tailer. This news follows last month’s reports that Hudson’s Bay (the owner of Saks Fifth Avenue and other department store chains) was acquiring Gilt Group.

Charming Charlie is expanding its Middle East footprint.

The specialty retailer has opened its first location in Qatar, at the Ezdan Mall in Doha. The 2,900-sq.-ft. store is operated by Apparel Group, Charming Charlie’s international licensing partner, which has further growth planned for the brand in the Middle East this year.

Nordstrom has extended its special relationship with Hawaiians by opening a gem of a store in the Ala Moana Center in Honolulu.

The three-level, 186,000 square-foot store features new interior and exterior design concepts, a full-service restaurant and bar, cocktail lounge, new departments and an enhanced beauty shopping experience. Nordstrom has operated in Hawaii for 50 years and the new store is a replacement for a store the retailer opened at the other end of the mall just eight years ago.