Direct To Consumer (DTC)

TJX Cos. is preparing to debut a new retail banner.   Speaking on the chain’s quarterly call with analysts, TJX CEO Ernie Herrman said the company will open four home goods stores in the United States under a new nameplate this year, CNBC reported.   The new concept will allow TJX to enter new markets and sell products that it hasn't currently penetrated with its HomeGoods footprint, Herrman said, according to the report.     

A disruptive retail climate and underperforming categories took their toll on HSN during the fourth quarter.   HSN’s net income was $43.5 million for the quarter, or 82 cents per share, ended December 31, 2016, compared to $59.7 million for the same period last year. This exceeded analysts’ estimates of 74 cents per share.  

The Limited is in line to get a new lease on life.    Sycamore Partners has won the auction for the e-commerce business and intellectual property of the bankrupt women's apparel retailer with a bid of $26.8 million, according to Reuters.   

The Tori Richard brand is a staple in Hawaii, but it’s taking steps to expand sales across the continental United States.   A company founded as a women's wear brand 60 years ago in Honolulu, has since become an internationally recognized men's and women's resort wear brand available in its 17 stores and approximately 2,500 wholesale accounts, including in Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom. This breadth contributes to sales that span across the main-land U.S., Latin America, and Asia-Pacific. 

HSN’s feature, “The Beauty Spy,” uses social media to introduce shoppers in the United States to new, emerging and exotic beauty trends. Now it is coming to the small screen.   The program, which can be seen on HSN’s social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and SnapChat, will become a monthly program appearing exclusively on HSN — a move that will deliver a multi-platform experience to viewers.  

Amazon has again raised the stakes in the home shipping war.   Almost a year after raising its free shipping minimum for non-Prime customers from $35 to $50, Amazon subtly announced on its website that it is once again honoring free shipping on orders of $35.  

An inconsistent U.S. marketplace and the sale of one of its business units contributed to lower fourth quarter sales for VF Corp.   The company, whose brands include The North Face and Timberland, reported that its net sales fell 0.1% to of $3.2 billion, for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2016.    Total revenue came in at $3.3 billion, down 0.2%.  

A new company is interested in The Limited.   Sunrise Brands LLC has bid for the bankrupt apparel retailer’s e-commerce business and intellectual property, a move that challenges a $26.3 million offer from private equity firm Sycamore Partners, Reuters said.