Direct To Consumer (DTC)

MONTREAL — Target has presented its Emerging Designer Award to Mélissa Nepton. Nepton was selected from a group of five finalists as the grand prize winner during the final competition hosted last night at Montreal Fashion Week. The Target Emerging Designer Award is part of the Designers Fund, a joint initiative of Groupe Sensation Mode and Fondation de la mode de Montréal.

Business-to-consumer e-commerce sales in 2012 grew 21.1% to top $1 trillion for the first time, according to new global estimates by research firm, eMarketer. 

The firm predicts that 2013 will be even better, with e-commerce sales up 18.3% to $1.298 trillion worldwide, on the strength of the Asia-Pacific market. 

SEATTLE — Sally Jewell, CEO of REI, has been nominated as Secretary of the Interior. 

Sally has led REI as CEO since 2005 and during that time has provided steady leadership for the co-op and its thoughtful growth. During her tenure REI has increased sales from $1 billion to nearly $2 billion, added 71 stores, and greatly expanded its online business. Under Sally's leadership, the company has been named annually to Fortune Magazine's list of the Best Companies to Work For.

PITTSBURGH — American Eagle Outfitters has agreed to a mutual termination of its license agreement in China, Hong Kong and surrounding markets with Dickson Concepts (International) Limited. Consistent with its long-term global expansion strategy and the importance of this market, the company took the opportunity to exit its agreement and will assume operation of six existing stores in China and Hong Kong.

New York -- Douglas Elliman's Retail Group said Tuesday it has arranged the lease for Oro Gold Cosmetics' first New York flagship at 118 East 57th Street, between Park and Lexington Avenues.

The retailer currently operates 50 dedicated boutiques and spas in affluent markets worldwide, including London, Barcelona, Moscow, Dubai and Singapore, as well as in such U.S. cities as Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas, Boston, Miami and throughout California, from San Diego to Sacramento.

New York -- Fidelity, the Boston-based investment firm, has bought a 10% stake in C. Wonder, according to Women’s Wear Daily. Founded by Christopher Burch in 2011, the company has since expanded to 10 locations and also operates pop-up stores.

Burch has big plans for C.Wonder, which sells a mix of apparel, accessories and home goods, all under its own label. According to previous reports, he plans to expand it to 50 to 100 stores by the end of 2014, including locations abroad.

Boston -- No Rest for Bridget, based in Irvine, Calif., will make its East Coast debut in mid-March, opening a 1,300-sq.-ft. location on Boston’s Newbury Street.

The fast-fashion retailer specializes in affordable women’s clothing and accessories to 20- to 39-year-olds.

The store’s build-out is being handled by A&O Danner Companies, Plymouth, Mass., which is working with D2 Construction of Costa Mesa, Calif.

New York -- OfficeMax has become the latest retailer with a smaller-store, urban format either open or in the wings.
 
The retailer will unveil its smaller concept sometime in 2013, according to Crain’s Chicago Business. The new format will range between 5,000 sq. ft. and 15,000 sq. ft., the report said.