Direct To Consumer (DTC)

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Sears Holdings Corporation completed its spin-off of Lands' End Inc. on April 4. The specialty apparel company has now been separated from Sears Holdings and its common stock is expected to begin regular-way trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol "LE" on April 7.

Boston -- Berkshire Partners LLC, the Boston-based investment firm, and Glen T. Senk, a New York-based retail and consumer executive, are partnering to co-invest in innovative, high-growth retail and consumer businesses. Berkshire Partners has initially committed $350 million to future investments alongside Senk and his newly formed firm, Front Row Partners LLC, where he serves as chairman and CEO.

Columbus, Ohio — DSW Inc., Designer Shoe Warehouse has announced the opening of a new store in Ponce, Puerto Rico, on April 10. As of April 10, DSW will operate 407 stores in 43 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

DSW also operates an e-commerce site at DSW.com. In addition, the company supplies footwear to 357 leased locations in the United States under the Affiliated Business Group.

Merrimack, N.H. -- Specialty retailer Brookstone Holdings Corp. has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, with a plan to sell itself to Spencer Spirit Holdings, owner of the Spencer’s retail chain, for about $147 million. The purchase price comprises $120 million in cash, $7.5 million in new notes and about $18.5 million of assumed liabilities.

Under the agreement with Spencer Spirit, Brookstone would continue to operate its stores in malls and airports, along with its catalog, website and wholesale business, under the Brookstone brand.

Sydney, Australia -- Multi-brand retailer Atlantic Brands is using Lyris’ digital marketing platform to boost sales and customer engagement for its Australian division. With Lyris, Atlantic Brands plans to increase repeat purchases and overall revenues by gleaning customer insights from online and offline activity.

Online home goods retailer Tablesets.com said digital innovator Weihu Yan has made an investment in and joined the company as a strategic advisor.

Houston -- Mattress Firm Holding Corp. announced it has completed its acquisition of the outstanding partnership interests in Sleep Experts Partners.

With the acquisition, Mattress Firm expects to operate an additional 55 stores in the Dallas and Austin markets, two of Mattress Firm’s core markets.

Mattress Firm operates 1,400 stores across 33 states.

Columbus, Ohio – DSW Inc. is opening three new stores on April 10. The stores will be located in Tempe, Ariz., DeKalb, Ill., and Washington, D.C.

DSW Rewards is a free loyalty program in which customers earn certificates toward future DSW purchases and receive special member-only offers. Customers can also participate in a Shoe Lover community on Facebook to receive exclusive offers and giveaways.