Department Store

The sporting goods industry could be facing another major retail bankruptcy filing.

Vestis Retail Group, parent company of Eastern Mountain Sports, Sport Chalet and Bob’s Stores is preparing to file for Chapter 11 protection, according to Bloomberg.

Vestis Retail Group, which is owned by private equity firm Versa Capital Management LLC, could file as soon as next week, the report said.

Swedish retailer H&M will opens its 4,000th store as its expands its global footprint and ramps up e-commerce in 2016.

The company plans to open a total of 425 new stores this year, and expand its e-commerce efforts to Japan and 10 additional markets.

The global retailer disclosed its aggressive physical and digital growth plans with the release of financial results for the period ended Feb. 29, which were negatively affected by the strong U.S. dollar.

On the heels of soaring profits and revenues in the fourth quarter, Hudson’s Bay Company said it will make higher than normal investments in growth initiatives this year, including a dramatic increase in the number of Saks Off 5th stores, store renovations and investments in technology.

The number of Saks Off 5th stores will surge dramatically as will investments in technology as Hudson’s Bay Company said it will make higher than normal investments in growth initiative this year.

The rise of fast-fashion, changing fashion tastes and online commerce may be claiming another teen apparel retailer.

Pacific Sunwear of California Inc. is preparing to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, according to Bloomberg, which cited people with "knowledge of the situation.” The report said the filing could occur as early as next week.

Two major sustainability initiatives from H&M begin this month as the fast fashion retailer debuts a new line from Conscious Commerce co-founders Olivia Wilde and Barbara Burchfield and kicks off an apparel recycling effort.

The H&M Conscious Exclusive collection from Wilde and Burchfield will be available online at hm.com and in 165 stores beginning April 7. Meanwhile, H&M is set to begin is World Recycle Week initiative on April 18 which allows customers who drop off clothes at in-store collections bins to receive a 30% discount coupon.

Sears Canada is again calling on Becky Penrice to lead an important aspect of its nearly 300 store operation.

Penrice was named executive VP and COO after serving in that role in an interim capacity for little over a two months. Penrice has worn several hats at Sears Canada since joining the company on Dec. 1, 2013 after holding supply chain and human resources roles role at Hudson’s Bay Company.

Apparently shifts in weather patterns have thrown yet another curve ball to the traditional retail industry.