Apparel

Los Angeles – Forever 21, known for operating some truly large stores, is reportedly rethinking that strategy.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the specialty fast-fashion retailer is also in talks to obtain a $150 million load.

New York -- Rebecca Minkoff has brought its “Store of the Future” concept to Los Angeles.  

In the latest example of clicks to bricks, online upscale discounter Gilt.com has launched a new service at its New York office that sounds a lot like what retailers call a “store.”

New York -- Teen fave Nasty Gal is deploying cutting-edge LED technology to show off its on-trend fashions.

The online retailer has opened two brick-and-mortar stores (one in Los Angeles and the other in Santa Monica), and both feature LEDs by Solais Lighting, a division of PowerSecure Lighting and part of PowerSecure International.

Evansville, Ind. -- Shoe Carnival Inc. kicked up its heels about its profit in the second quarter, but missed on sales.

Aided by higher merchandise margins and lower advertising expenses, Shoe Carnival reported net earnings of $4.8 million, up 84% from $2.6 million a year earlier. Its results easily beat estimates.

Net sales rose 2% $227.8 million, less than expected, from $222.1 million. Same-store sales rose 0.5%.

Shoe Carnival plans to open 21 new stores and close 15 stores by the end of fiscal 2015.

Belk Inc. looks like it has found a winner in a just-completed omnichannel back-to-school promotion.

Working with digital marketing provider HelloWorld, Belk allowed customers to both submit and vote on “looks” such as dorm room, game day and night out, created with Belk merchandise.

New York -- Members of the flash sale site Gilt will soon be able to see close up some of the site’s designer deals on the popular website, complete with a personal stylist — but only if they book ahead.

Some major retailers are participating in the 30th Retailing Summit conference hosted by The Texas A&M University’s Center for Retailing Studies at Mays Business School.