Direct To Consumer (DTC)

Wayne, N.J. — Toys"R"Us has named the leadership team for its retail business operations in Southeast Asia and Greater China, following the recent announcement of its new joint venture agreement with Li & Fung Retailing. With this agreement, the existing Toys “R” Us business operations in the region, which had previously been licensed, are now majority owned and controlled by Toys “R” Us.

NEW YORK —Totsy, a private sales site dedicated to offering exclusive deals to parents, babies and children, announced that it has named a new chief technology officer and a new creative director.

The company has appointed Richard Minns as chief technology officer. Minns brings 15 years of corporate experience in technology and e-commerce, most recently from 1800FLOWERS.com.

New York City -- Apparel manufacturer Weatherproof will open its first Apartment 32 store on Nov. 10, in the SoHo section of Manhattan. The flagship location, which will carry women’s and men’s apparel, will have an unusual “leave your Blackberry at the door” policy.

Pittsburgh -- American Eagle Outfitters reported Wednesday that sales for the quarter ended Oct. 29 rose 11% to $832 million, compared with $752 million in the year-ago period.

Same-store sales increased 5% for the quarter, following a 1% rise for the same period last year.

By banner, American Eagle posted a 5% comp increase and Aerie comps surged 8%.

WAYNE, N.J. — Toys“R”Us announced that it has entered into a joint venture with Li & Fung Retailing that would make Toys"R"Us Inc. the majority shareholder of Toys"R"Us operations in Southeast Asia and Greater China. With this agreement, the existing Toys“R”Us licensed operations throughout Asia, which currently consist of more than 100 stores and offices across nine markets, will become 70% majority owned and controlled by Toys“R”Us Inc. and 30% owned by Li & Fung Retailing.

York, Pa. -- As part of a real estate realignment strategy, The Bon-Ton Stores Inc. on Tuesday said it will close two of its department stores, one in Pennsylvania and the other in Ohio, when their leases expire in early 2012.

The company said it plans to close its store in the West Manchester Mall in York, Pa., in January, and its Elder-Beerman store in the Northwest Mall in Dayton, Ohio, which will shut down in February.

Ridgefield, Conn. -- Gap tapped Schimenti Construction to build the company’s flagship Athleta location in New York City.

The 3,922-sq.-ft. store, which features performance apparel and gear for the active woman, is in a landmark building on Columbus Avenue, in Manhattan. The space was completed in 13 weeks from start to opening.

New York City -- Iconix Brand Group said it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire The Sharper Image brand and intellectual property assets for $65.6 million in cash.

Iconix purchased Sharper Image from a joint venture led by Gordon Brothers Group, Hilco Consumer Capital, and Bluestar Alliance. Sharper Image products are sold nationwide at department and specialty stores and direct to consumer through the Sharper Image catalog and e-commerce website, sharperimage.com