Sales & Marketing

Los Angeles -- Guess Inc. on Wednesday reported that its second-quarter profit fell to $42.9 million, from $60.7 million a year ago. The company also lowered its full-year earnings outlook.

Total net revenue for the quarter ended July 28 fell 6.2% to $635.4 million, from $677.2 million.

The company’s retail stores in North America generated revenue of $253.0 million in the second quarter, down 3.1% from $261.1 million in the same period a year ago. Same-store sales fell 8.5%.

Foothill Ranch, Calif. -- The Wet Seal said it has hired financial advisors and adopted a poison pill that discourages an investor from acquiring 10% of the company.

The move comes as Clinton Group, an investor with a 3.9% stake in the chain, has been putting pressure on the company to put itself on the block.

“We took this action to ensure the board has sufficient time to consider any option,” said Wet Seal chairman Harold Kahn.

NEW YORK — Aeropostale, a mall-based specialty retailer of casual and active apparel for young women and men, announced that Emilia Fabricant will be joining the company as EVP of the Aeropostale brand. Fabricant will be responsible for all aspects of design, merchandising and production for the brand, and will report to Thomas Johnson, CEO.

Arlington, Va. -- The Retail Industry Leaders Association criticized the proposed swipe fee settlement and urged class plaintiffs to reject the proposal. Announced in July, the proposed settlement stems from lawsuits challenging the anticompetitive swipe fee practices of Visa and MasterCard.

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Retail Industry Leaders Association criticized the proposed swipe fee settlement and urged class plaintiffs to reject the proposal. Announced in July, the proposed settlement stems from lawsuits challenging the anticompetitive swipe fee practices of Visa and MasterCard.

Pittsburgh -- American Eagle Outfitters Inc. said that its net income fell 4% in the second quarter as the retailer dealt with charges related to the closing of its children’s division, 77kids, which included 22 stores and the online business. But its adjusted results met analysts' estimates, and the company raised its full-year outlook.

For the second quarter that ended July 28, American Eagle earned $19.03 million, compared with $19.7 million last year.

LOS ANGELES — Reality TV personality, Kristin Cavallari has partnered with Chinese Laundry for a capsule footwear collection composed of pumps, platforms, booties and flats available at retail this December.

"My love for shoes is no secret.  To have been able to work with Chinese laundry as a web ambassador and now as a designer has truly been a dream come true," said Cavallari.  "It was important to me to create a collection of shoes that is not only fun and versatile, but also price friendly and comfortable."

New York -- Aeropostale announced that Emilia Fabricant will join the company as executive VP of the Aeropostale brand. She will be responsible for all aspects of design, merchandising and production for the brand.

On Aug. 17, Fabricant resigned as president of Bebe Stores, Prior to then, she served as president and chief merchandising officer of Charlotte Russe.