eCommerce

Foothill Ranch, Calif. – The Wet Seal Inc. reported declines in net and same-store sales for the fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2013, compared to the same periods in the prior year. During the fourth quarter, Wet Seal reported net sales of $122.8 million, down 22.8%, and a 16.5% drop in same-store sales.

Washington, D.C. -- Retail industry sales (which exclude automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) will increase 4.1% in 2014, up from the preliminary 3.7% growth seen in 2013, according to the National Retail Federation. The association’s 2014 economic forecast, released Thursday, calls for online sales to grow between 9% and 12%.

A number of factors contributed to NRF’s 2014 economic forecast, including:

New York -- Fairway Holdings Corp., operators of Fairway Markets, announced that CEO Herbert Ruetsch will retire after fifteen years with the company, including the last two years as chief executive.  Ruetsch will remain a special advisor to Fairway and continue to provide input into certain merchandising and product initiatives.

William Sanford, president of Fairway, will assume the role of interim CEO while the board undertakes a search for a permanent replacement.

Chattanooga, Tenn. — Dick’s Sporting Goods is moving across the street from the periphery of the Monroeville Mall in Monroeville, Pa., into the mall, according to CBL & Associates Properties, the mall’s owner. The existing Dick’s Sporting Goods will remain open until the new store completes construction. Plans call for a grand opening this summer.

Oklahoma City -- Hobby Lobby announced it will open 70 stores throughout the United States in 2014, for a total of 625 locations nationwide.

The arts and crafts retailer said that as part of its expansion it will enter the states of Vermont and Oregon this year.
 

Topshop/Topman plans to open a 40,000-sq-ft. flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York. The new Manhattan store will be located on the corner of 49th Street, and is adjacent to Rockefeller Center.

Sidney, Neb. - Cabela’s Inc. has named Donna M. Milrod to its board of directors. Milrod has been the chief administrative officer of The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC) since October 2012, with responsibilities for DTCC’s finance, operations, regulatory relations, business continuity, vendor management, and security functions.

Morrisville, N.C. — Earth Fare, Pier I Imports, Blackfinn Ameripub and Charming Charlie have inked new leases at Park West Village in Morrisville, N.C., according to the center’s owner, CASTO.