Apparel

Bankrupt American Apparel predicts in its reorganization plan that it will turn profitable in 2016, the Los Angeles Times reported. The company also warned that founder and ousted CEO Dov Charney remains a risk to its future. (Los Angeles Times)

French specialty apparel retailer Kiabi has to keep up with the constantly changing world of fashion.

Kiabi, which operates more than 500 stores in 32 countries and also has an online presence, is using the SoftwareAG webMethids API (application programming interface) management platform to enable maximum operational flexibility. Kiabi is building cloud-based systems on the API to eliminate internal silos and open core business functions, both inside the enterprise and with external business partners.

Bankrupt American Apparel predicts in its reorganization plan that it will turn profitable in 2016, the Los Angeles Times reported. 

The company also warned that founder and ousted CEO Dov Charney remains a risk to its future.

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“I’ll try the red.” It’s a phrase heard in bars and restaurants across the globe. But in Nordstrom, at their tapas bar? It’s wine in a department store one week, and perhaps a pint or a flight at Bar Lamar in Whole Foods the next, because who could say no to a nice aperitif while picking up the weekly groceries?

Maryland-based specialty retailer Smyth Jewelers and jewelry designer Uneek Fine Jewelry have installed the world’s largest engagement ring outside Smyth’s store in Timonium, Maryland.

The ring stands 17 ft. tall and measures 14 ft. wide. It is modeled after a Uneek Jewelry design and took over a year to fabricate and install. (To see a video, click here.)

Pickerington, Ohio -- Stark Enterprises acquires The Shoppes at Stonecreek in Pickerington, Ohio. The 45,000-sq.-ft. retail center is located east of Columbus and is currently 100% occupied. Featured tenants include Lifetime Fitness, Petland, Advanced Vapor, Lomonico’s and Roosters.

“This acquisition further expands our footprint outside of Northeast Ohio and is a prime opportunity for us to prove the transformational impact we have on our properties,” said Ezra Stark, COO for Stark Enterprises.

As consumers continue to embrace athleisure wear, retail startups are clamoring to bust into the multi-billion dollar industry. Outdoor Voices – a chic athleisure wear brand for men and women, founded by 27-year-old designer and CEO Tyler Haney in 2012 – is doing a fine job of getting its foot in the door.

Nordstrom plans to hire about 11,800 seasonal employees for the coming holiday season, mostly for sales and stock positions at the upscale chain and its less pricey Nordstrom Rack locations.

The retailer also plans to hire 1,600 temporary workers to support its e-commerce business at its three fulfillment centers.