Apparel

New York -- Women’s apparel retailer Dressbarn is thinking omnichannel with the launch of both a digital and in-store experience, called Dressbar, focused on exclusive designer collaborations with notable names in fashion.  

Beginning March 5, the collection will be available to shoppers at Dressbarn stores, and online at dressbar.com. In addition, the retailer is opening a Dressbar pop-up shop In New York City, at 102 Fifth Avenue.

Washington, D.C. -- Consumers are opening up their pocketbooks for St. Patrick’s Day, according to the National Retail Federation’s St. Patrick’s Day Spending Survey.

The survey, conducted by Prosper Insights and Analytics, finds that nearly 127 million Americans are planning to celebrate the traditional Irish holiday and will spend an average of $36.52 on green garb, festive food and more, compared to $35.78 last year.

New York – At least two major suitors are vying for the hand of Ann Taylor parent company Ann Inc. According to Reuters, private equity firms Bain Capital and Golden Gate are both negotiating to purchase Ann Inc.

Ann Inc. has a $1.6 billion market capitalization. There is no guarantee either company will receive the financing they would need to make a purchase, and other potential buyers may emerge this week.
 

Pittsburgh – American Eagle Outfitters Inc. soared past Wall Street expectations in the fourth quarter, helped by reduced promotions and discounts and the elimination of asset impairments. The teen retailer on Wednesday posted better-than-expected fourth quarter results and issued an upbeat outlook for the first quarter, projecting earnings of $0.09 to $0.12 per share, versus analysts' estimates of $0.07 per share.

New Albany, Ohio – It was tough going for Abercrombie & Fitch in the fourth quarter, with declines in both income and sales. Looking ahead, the company said its priorities include increasing comparable sales trends in both its U.S. and international stores, making strategic investments in its omnichannel business, ongoing expense reductions, and selective expansion in high-growth international markets.

New York – A Dutch court has reportedly set aside a $449.5 million arbitration payment Tiffany & Co. had been ordered to make to Swiss watchmaker Swatch Group AG in December 2013. According to the New York Times, a three-member panel of judges ruled in favor of a counterclaim Tiffany filed in March 2014.

Mahwah, N.J. – Higher selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses, including asset impairment charges primarily related to lower-than-expected operating performance at the struggling Justice banner, cut into profits at Ascena Retail Group Inc. during the second quarter of fiscal 2015.

Ascena, the operator of Justice, as well as stores under the Lane Bryant, Cacique, Maurices, Dressbarn, and Catherines banners, said combined same store sales declined 2% during the quarter, ended Jan. 25, due to sluggish sales at Justice.

New York – Online wedding retailer and services provider The Knot is relaunching a mobile-first e-commerce site designed to seamlessly engage, match and connect couples with the right local vendors, products and services they need for their wedding. The Knot reimagined the site from the ground up, leveraging learnings built on the success of its mobile apps, with mobile now accounting for more than 50% of the brand's traffic.

Birmingham, Ala. -- Bayer Properties has begun construction on the $66 million redevelopment of the historic Pizitz Building, located on the corner of 2nd Avenue North and 19th Street in downtown Birmingham, Alabama.

The building’s top six floors will be dedicated to residential space with 143 multi-family apartments. The Pizitz Building will also have a mezzanine level with modern, temporary office space, a ground level featuring a public urban market, and an attached seven-level parking garage.

Dallas -- Trademark Property Co., the operating partner for The Shops at Highland Village, has announced a multi-million dollar renovation of the 352,000-sq.-ft. shopping center that includes enhanced common area improvements, upgraded landscaping, new amenities for adults and children, updated facades, and new signage throughout the property.