Department Store

New York -- In a new type of retail disruption, London’s must buzzed-about department store, Selfridges, plans to remove the men’s and women’s departments on the three floors of its Oxford Street flagship from mid- March to the end of April, replacing them with unisex or gender-neutral shops.  
 

San Jose, Calif. – Homeowners stuck shoveling out more than two feet of snow were not the only ones in the Northeast negatively impacted by winter storm Juno the week of Jan. 26. Analysis from RetailNext shows that between Monday, Jan. 26 and Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015, store traffic at Northeast retailers dropped 35.6% from the same three-day period the prior year.

It may be hard to believe (considering its financial troubles), but Sears was the most popular U.S. department store on Facebook during the 2014 holiday shopping season, according to a new study. 

The data also show that Walmart.com was the most popular mass merchant store site.

New York -- Jones New York announced that it will close its 127 outlet stores and discontinue its wholesale business over the course of 2015.

The company said that it made the decision after a review of recent performance and outlook. Jones also said it will pursue strategic alternatives for the brand, which has long been a staple in mid-priced department stores. Its appeal, however, faded in recent years as department stores expanded their private label offerings.  

New York -- Forever 21 will open a five-level store on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, taking over the space that formerly housed an H&M.  

The new Forever 21, which is located on Fifth between 51st and 52nd Streets, is scheduled to open on Feb. 7.

Kohl’s rolled out two omnichannel campaigns in January underscoring the company’s stated focus on giving back to the community.

The company says it will award $400,000 in scholarships and prizes to more than 2,500 students who have made a positive impact on their communities. Nominations for kids ages 6 to 18 will be accepted until March 13 at kohlskids.com and in stores.

Jones New York is closing all of its stores, discontinuing its wholesale business and will look at strategic alternatives for its brand, the company said.

The women's clothing company said it is making the move after a review of its recent performance and outlook.

Dublin, Calif. - Doug Baker, who served as president and chief merchandising officer of Ross Stores’ DD’s Discounts division since 2011, is leaving the company. A specific reason has not been given.

The senior merchandising executives at DD’s Discounts will report to Ross executive chairman Michael Balmuth while the company conducts a search to fill this position.