Sales & Marketing

New York -- Aeropostale posted a loss of $33.7 million for the fiscal second quarter that ended Aug. 3, compared to a profit of $71 million a year ago. The teen retailer issued a weak outlook, and upped the number of stores that it plans to close.

Sales decreased 6% to $454.0 million from $485.3 million a year ago. Same-store sales, including the e-commerce channel, fell 15%.

The retailer said it now plans to shut down 30 to 40 Aeropostale locations this fiscal year. Previously, it had stated its plans to close 15 to 20 stores.  

New York — eShave, the Long Island City-based shaving products and services company, has leased its first Upper East Side storefront at 1025 Third Avenue between 60th and 61st Streets. The space is across the street from Bloomingdale’s.

Winick Realty Group represented eShave in the transaction, while the landlord, Mall Properties, was represented in-house.
 

NEW YORK — Weight Watchers International has named Ann Hollins as the company's chief human resources officer. Hollins will report to president and CEO Jim Chambers and will serve as a member of the Weight Watchers executive committee.

Hollins replaces Meredith Shepherd, who left the company in May after 11 years.

Youngstown, Ohio — Ohio Valley Mall in St. Clairsville, Ohio, has leased space to three new retailers: Panda, Boscov’s and The Children’s Place.

Panda will arrive in November with its Asian fusion menu, taking 1,500 sq. ft. Boscov’s department store will open its doors in October. So will The Children’s Place, which has leased 4,000 sq. ft.

The recently renovated Ohio Valley Mall is owned and managed in association with Cafaro affiliated companies.

NEW YORK — The Tommy Hilfiger Group enlisted actor Josh Bowman and professional surfers Kalani Robb, C.J. Kanuha and Alek Parker to participate in Autism Society San Diego's annual summer surf camp.

In June, Josh Bowman and Kalani Robb, along with Gary Sheinbaum, CEO, Tommy Hilfiger North America and InStyle Magazine fashion director Cindy Weber-Cleary, co-hosted the opening event for the newest Tommy Hilfiger store opening in San Diego’s Fashion Valley Mall, benefitting the Autism Society San Diego.

Charlotte, N.C. — Divaris Real Estate has arranged two leases totaling approximately 9,000 sq. ft. of retail space at the Westfield Eastridge Mall in Gastonia, N.C. Divaris represented the landlord, WEA Eastridge LP.

Los Arcos, a family owned Mexican restaurant, leased a 6,183-sq.-ft. outparcel building. Creations, a gift card shop, renewed its lease for 2,669 sq. ft.

Belk, J.C. Penney, Sears and Dillard’s anchor the mall, which is leased exclusively by Divaris.

San Francisco -- A resurgent Gap Inc. reported that its second quarter profit jumped 25% on strong sales of denim and other goods at its namesake and Old Navy brands. And bucking a trend set by other retailers, the company raised its full-year earnings guidance. Gap also detailed upcoming expansion plans.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Hibbett Sports reported a weaker-than-expected comparable-store sales increase of 0.3% for the second quarter ended Aug. 3, compared to a 4.8% increase in the prior-year period.

Last year's second quarter benefited from the extra week in the fiscal calendar which resulted in approximately $12 million of sales.