Direct To Consumer (DTC)

Boston – Specialty men’s apparel retailer Blank Label opens its second store in the Downtown Crossing neighborhood of Boston on June 30. According to CNBC, Blank Label, which opened as an online-only retailer in 2009 and opened its first store in Boston in 2013, plans to open six more new physical stores on the East Coast by 2016.

By Gary Ambrosino, CEO of TimeTrade Systems

Too often in retail, disruptions are viewed as bad things, but new digital disruptions, including 3-D printing and digital currencies, are transforming what consumers expect from their shopping experience and how they interact with physical and online retailers — for the better.

Los Angeles -- Drybar, the leading blowdry-only salon concept, has received a $20 million investment led by SPK Capital and existing investor, Castanea Partners.
 

Irving, Texas -- Michaels Cos. has raised $472 million in an initial public offering. The arts-and-crafts retailer priced 27.8 million shares at $17 each, which was at the low end of its predicted range. It plans to use the IPO's proceeds to pay down its debt.

The chain, which operates stores under its namesake banner and Aaron Brothers, could raise up to $543 million if underwriters use their option to buy additional shares. 

The stock was expected to start trading Friday on the Nasdaq under the symbol "MIK."

Restoration Hardware’s RH New York, The Gallery in New York’s Flatiron District is open for business. The 19th-century building is located at 935 Broadway.

With three floors and 30,000 gross sq. ft., the newly expanded gallery is three times its previous size, featuring a dramatic antique mirror-lined grand staircase with custom-designed iron handrails inspired by the late Venetian architect Carlo Scarpa.

Women’s sportswear and apparel retailer Fresh Produce has appointed Dorothy Sadd as its COO, the company announced Thursday. The 25-year industry veteran will oversee growing the 30-year-old brand’s footprint, using her expertise in several different facets of clothing production and inventory management.

New York — Handcrafted eyewear retailer, Dita, has leased a 1,300-sq.-ft. store at 273 Lafayette Street in SoHo. It will be Dita’s first Manhattan locations and its New York flagship. RKF represented Dita in the transaction, while The Lansco Corp. acted on behalf of the landlord, 157 Prince Street Associates.

New York -- Juicy Couture is closing its U.S. stores as it makes plans to debut a new retail store format in key high-traffic locations, including New York City, Los Angeles and Vancouver, in early 2015. The company expects to open 127 stores and in-store shops during the next five years in major cities across the globe.