Department Store

As it moves to distance itself from the turbulence that marked its past two years, American Apparel Inc. has named three apparel industry executives to its revamped board of directors.

The retailer, which emerged from bankruptcy protection in February, appointed Paul R. Charron, former CEO of Liz Claiborne, as chairman, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Macy’s CEO and other top executives are feeling the pain of the chain’s disappointment financial performance in 2015. The board decided to award no bonuses after the chain fell short of its sales, cash flow and earnings goals, Macy’s said in a regulatory filing, according to Bloomberg. [Bloomberg]

If the major suppliers of soft goods such as clothing and accessories to retail stores are a bellwether of the economy, then the coming months are looking to provide a jolt as 75% of these suppliers expect retail sales to significantly outpace the gross domestic product for the spring and summer shopping season.

That’s one of the major findings of a new survey conducted by Capital Business Credit.

Gen Z and Millennials are big on physical stores — even more so than their older counterparts.

That’s one of the findings of a new research study by insights firm iModerate in which 74% of all respondents said it is important for brands to have a physical location rather than solely selling online. Interestingly, 80% of Gen Zers and 82% of Millennials respondents said it is important, compared to 69% of Gen Xers and 65% of Boomers.

Ross Stores has ambitious store expansion plans for 2016—and sees plenty of potential beyond that.

The off-price retailer opened a total of 22 Ross Dress for Less and six dd’s Discounts stores across 15 different states in February and March.

The new locations are part of the company’s 2016 expansion plans to add approximately 70 Ross and 20 dd’s Discounts locations throughout the year.

Philadelphia -- CBRE Group announced that Steven H. Gartner has been appointed to managing director of retail for the Greater Pennsylvania Region. Gartner will lead CBRE’s retail brokerage platform throughout the region, driving growth and creating a cohesive and collaborative service offering for retail clients, as well as continue to actively maintain strategic client relationships both in Philadelphia and across the country.

Destination Maternity says its turnaround efforts are working to drive long-term growth despite a decrease in same-store sales during the fourth quarter.

The company said that for the fourth quarter ended Jan. 30, same-store sales decreased 3.5%. The retailer's net loss improved to $3.1 million compared to a net loss of $17 million in the prior year quarter. Net sales were $118.3 million, compared with $121.2 million for the comparable three month in 2015.

Lafayette, La. -- Stirling Properties and CBL & Associates Properties celebrated the grand opening of Ambassador Town Center located in Lafayette, Louisiana. The center is currently 97% leased and includes either first-time locations within Lafayette or Louisiana, or both.