Department Store

Surging sales at Old Navy helped Gap Inc. offset sales declines at its namesake division and its Banana Republic stores in the first quarter.

Gap Inc. reported that for the first quarter of fiscal 2015, Gap Inc.’s net sales decreased 3% to $3.66 billion compared with $3.77 billion for the first quarter last year.

Secaucus, N.J. – The Children’s Place Inc. is publicly criticizing a report from proxy advisory service Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) recommending that shareholders elect one of two board nominees from activist investors Macellum SPV II L.P. and Barington Companies Equity Partners L.P. ISS supports election of Robert L. Mettler but recommends against electing Seth R. Johnson.

Macy’s is looking for charity partners to participate in the retailer’s 10th annual national “Shop For A Cause.”

The retailer’s one-day-only shopping event, which is very popular with shoppers, is designed to support local charities’ fundraising efforts.

Cincinnati -- Macy’s will debut its off-price business in fall 2014, opening four stores in metro New York City. The new business, one of the department store giant’s major growth initiatives, will be called Macy’s Backstage.

Gap Inc. is teaming up with popular TV host Ellen DeGeneres and her lifestyle brand ED on a unique fashion range that is designed to empower girls.

The new collection, GapKids x ED, will be an apparel collection and social movement designed to help all girls realize they have the power to do extraordinary things, the company says. The collection will be available for purchase starting Aug. 17 through Gap.com, in all GapKids stores in the United States, and select stores in Canada, United Kingdom, China and Japan.

New York - Macy's will once again run its "American Icons” omnichannel promotion, from May 13 – July 4. The campaign will kick off with #AmericanSelfie, a social media initiative inspiring customers to share photos of what America means to them.

Loehmann's has added a new e-commerce chief to help build the next phase of the off-price retailer's online marketplace.

Loehmann's said that Jeffrey Cripe is joining the Loehmann's advisory board. Cripe, who manages e-commerce partnerships and business development at Christie's, has experience in e-commerce, branding, audience development, and strategic partnerships.

Cedar Hill, Texas - Trademark Property Co., the operating partner for Uptown Village at Cedar Hill, has announced a new name for the 610,000-sq.-ft. shopping center: Hillside Village. The new name and corresponding new brand were selected to reflect the garden-like look and feel planned as part of a multi-million dollar property renovation.