Department Store

Hudson's Bay Company has appointed a former Toys”R”Us executive and Target veteran as chief of human resources.

Dan Caspersen will be responsible for leading the human resources function across the company, and report directly into the office of the chairman, the company said.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- CBL & Associates Properties announced the opening of the redevelopment at CoolSprings Galleria in Nashville (Franklin), Tenn. Designed to significantly enhance the offerings at the shopping center, the redevelopment of the former Sears location includes adding a mix of new fashion stores and fine dining options as well as a new mall entrance to improve mall circulation.

Abercrombie & Fitch Co.'s revitalization efforts appear to be paying off, as the teen retailer says same store sales are rapidly improving.

St. Louis -- Brown Shoe Co., which will soon change its name to Caleres, reported a strong first quarter, with net earnings rising 24.8% to $19.3 million amid better-than-expected same-store sales and strong margins.

Net revenue rose 1.9% to $602.3 million from $591 million in the year ago period. Same-store sales rose 3.1%.

Gross margin of 41.3% was up approximately 30 basis points year-over-year, while operating margin of 5.0% was up approximately 10 basis points.

The stronger dollar hurt Tiffany and Co. in the first quarter, but the retailer's new efforts to woo ultra-wealthy shoppers helped offset weakness in its tourist business.

London -- The most valuable retail brand in the world lacks physical stores. At least that’s according to the tenth annual BrandZTM Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands ranking, released by WPP and Millward Brown. Chinese online giant Alibaba took the top spot of the retail, with a brand value of $66.4 billion, overtaking Amazon, at $62.3 billion.

On the heels of an expectation exceeding first quarter performance, Brown Shoe Company’s new “Caleres” corporate identity takes effect following the company’s shareholders meeting on May 28, which begs the question, what’s a Caleres?

Chico's FAS Inc. is blaming its first quarter profit decline on restructuring charges and lower sales.