Apparel

J.Crew Group didn’t get any relief in its third quarter. On the heels of another decrease in sales and a widening loss, the company is bringing in a former Ann Inc. executive to help turn things around.

J.Crew posted a net loss for the third quarter of $759.7 million, compared to a loss of $607.8 million in the year ago period. (The retailer noted that both this year and last year reflect the impact of pre-tax, non-cash impairment charges of $845.9 million and $684.0 million, respectively.)

Many fashion brands today have ambitious goals to become the next industry disruptor but too few focus on the steps to achieve it. Indeed, most retailers recognize they can’t access the information they need to give their customers the experiences they desire today. Nor do they have a clear view into their inventory or order management system to deliver a complete customer journey.

Strong same-store sales in the third quarter did not keep Genesco Inc. from lowering its guidance, as the company takes steps to reduce inventory through promotions and discounts.

The specialty retailer of hats and accessories said that for the third quarter ended Oct. 31, same-store sales increased 7%. Income was $32.9 million, or $1.43 per diluted share, compared to earnings from continuing operations of $28.8 million, or $1.21 per diluted share, for the prior year quarter. Revenue was $774 million from $723 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2015.

The founder and ousted CEO of the embattled American Apparel is nothing if not determined.

Charney said he has hired Los Angeles-based Cardinal Advisors to evaluate options as he explores plans with new and existing investors and industry executives to revive the company, which filed for bankruptcy in October.

The minimalist Japanese lifestyle brand Muji has opened its largest U.S. location yet, a two-level, 12,000-sq.-ft. flagship on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. It’s the company’s fifth location in the Big Apple.

The store, designated as Muji’s U.S. flagship, includes such extras as an embroidering station where customers can have their items customized, choosing from more than 100 designs, and an Aroma Lab, where shoppers can create custom scents choosing from some 48 essential oils.

Sears Holdings Corp. is doing a much better job at cutting costs than at stopping its sales decline.

The chief executives of H&M, Gap Inc. and five other apparel companies are urging world leaders to agree to a strong climate change deal because they fear global warming will drive up their costs by having a negative impact on cotton production, Reuters reported. [Reuters]

A pullback in promotions, reduced catalog circulation, and unseasonably warm weather helped make for a very disappointing third quarter for Lands' End, whose effort to turnaround its business is having trouble taking hold.

The apparel retailer's sales fell 10% to $334.4 million in the quarter ended Oct. 31, compared to $373.1 million last year.

Net income fell 41% to $10.7 million, compared to $18 million in the third quarter last year.