Direct To Consumer (DTC)

New Albany, Ohio – Abercrombie & Fitch Co. reported a net loss of $23.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2014, up from $7.2 million in the year-ago period, but less than analysts had expected. Restructuring charges associated with the closure of Abercrombie’s Gilly Hicks stand-alone stores, as well as the impact of heavy discounting on profit margins, helped drive the retailer’s net loss growth. The chain backed its full-year forecast as demand in its female business improved and sales fell less than expected for the first time in six quarters.

Omnichannel retail company Delia’s, which markets apparel, accessories and footwear to teenage girls, is looking for a new CFO. Current financial chief David Dick has resigned and will remain with the company through Aug. 1.

Montreal -- Canadian retailer David’s Tea has named Sylvain Toutant as president and CEO. He will be responsible for all operations at the company and oversee its growth in Canada, the United States and around the world. He will also serve on the board of directors.

Most recently, Toutant was president of Keurig Canada, where he accelerated growth through a strategic alliance with Keurig Green Mountain in the United States. He also headed Keurig's operations in the United Kingdom.

New York -- Legendary Los Angeles retailer Fred Segal is going global. The company, which was acquired by media and licensing company Sandow in 2012, plans to open up to 10 luxury retail lifestyle centers in the United States and across the world during the next five to 10 years. And leading the expansion will be its newly hired CEO, retail veteran Paul Blum, who most recently served as CEO of Juicy Couture. Prior to that, he served as CEO of David Yurman and Kenneth Cole Productions.

New York – Specialty women’s apparel retailer Cache Inc. intends to offer and sell, subject to market and other conditions, $14 million of its common stock in a public offering. Cache intends to grant the underwriter a 30-day option to purchase up to an aggregate of 15% of the amount of common stock offered.

Cache expects to use the net proceeds from the offering for working capital and general corporate purposes. In connection with the offering, B. Riley & Co., LLC is acting as the sole underwriter.

Philadelphia – The board of directors of Urban Outfitters Inc. has authorized the repurchase of 10 million common shares under a share repurchase program. Pursuant to this program, the company, at its discretion, may repurchase its common shares from time to time, subject to market conditions and at prevailing market prices.

Urban Outfitters has repurchased all of the shares available under its previous share repurchase programs, including the 10 million common shares authorized by the board of directors in August 2013.

Foothills Ranch, Calif. -- Fashion retailer Wet Seal Inc. swung to a loss in its  first quarter amid declining sales. The company reported a loss of $21.8 million, compared with a year-earlier profit of $3.1 million.

Sales fell 17% to $116.7 million. Total same-store sales, including e-commerce, fell 16.9%.
 
Wet Seal said it was challenged by  weak mall traffic, higher promotional activity and disruptive weather as challenges for the quarter.

Ross Stores’ board approved a succession plan whereby chief merchandising officer and president Barbara Rentler will become CEO, making her the 25th female chief executive to currently serve at a Fortune 500 company.

Rentler will succeed Michael Balmut, who announced nearly two years ago his intent to step down as CEO on June 1, and become executive chairman. Ross Stores said Balmut will continue to play an integral role on the senior management team.