News

American Apparel CEO Talks Turnaround with CSA
New York -- Let’s be clear about one thing: Paula Schneider is not changing the DNA of American Apparel. The apparel industry veteran, who took the reins of the troubled retail company in January 2015, is quite proud of the brand’s progressive spirit.

“We are a very inclusive brand,” Schneider told Chain Store Age. “One that gives everyone the opportunity to express themselves. You can see it in our clothes and in the causes we support.”
Brainy chain opens store in D.C.
Marbles: The Brain Store has chosen one of the country's smartest cities for its next brick-and-mortar location.

The company plans to open a new store in the Washington, D.C., area at National Harbor, the waterfront shopping and entertainment district on the Potomac River.

The new location is the third Marbles store to open this summer. Marbles also launched in Times Square in New York City and Myrtle Beach, S.C., marking its first location in the southern region.

Acquisition creates discount giant

Chesapeake, Va. -- It’s a done deal.

Dollar Tree announced Monday that it has completed its $8.5 billion acquisition of Family Dollar Stores.

Gary Philbin, 58, formerly president and COO of Dollar Tree, has been named to the same position at Family Dollar, effective immediately. In his new role, Philbin will continue to report to Bob Sasser, CEO of Dollar Tree.
Changing the world, one school supply at a time

Staples is shaking up the back-to-school aisle with an innovative promotion that makes a difference for children around the world.

The company is partnering with Me to We and Free The Children to help children around the world by allowing customers to digitally track how their purchase makes a difference.
Lowe’s promotes treasurer

Mooresville, N.C. – Lowe's Companies Inc. has promoted Tiffany L. Mason to senior VP of corporate finance and treasurer. Mason will continue to report to CFO Robert F. Hull Jr.

In her expanded role, Mason is taking on responsibility for financial planning and analysis, while she retains responsibility for the investor relations and treasury functions. Mason has nearly 20 years of experience in accounting and corporate finance across various industries, including technology, manufacturing, banking and retail.
Sports Authority kicks off summer with football clinic

The Sports Authority attracted more than 2,000 attendees to its free annual football clinic in Denver and helped educate parents and kids on player safety.

The event at Sports Authority Field at Mile High included on-field football training and a vendor expo. The football clinic, which had more than 670 participants between the ages of 6 and 14, allowed players to navigate through drill stations dedicated to specific skills such as passing, catching, running, defense, agility training, Heads Up Tackling and more.
Sears hits its big with REIT offering

Hoffman Estates, Ill. – Sears Holding Corp. has met financial expectations for its new real estate investment trust (REIT) called Seritage Growth Properties. A 53.3 million-share Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) subscription rights offering for Seritage that closed on July 2 was oversubscribed and generated about $1.6 billion, meeting expectations for gross proceeds of $1.57 billion.
Amazon.com’s new day for deals is ‘Prime’ promotion

Amazon.com’s latest gambit to encourage shoppers to buy a $99 Prime membership and goose second quarter sales involves the creation of quasi-holiday called “Prime Day.”
QVC names Abercrombie exec as finance VP

West Chester, Pa. – QVC has appointed Sanjay Singh as senior VP to lead its newly formed business planning & analysis (BP&A) group. Singh will be responsible for developing financial insights and driving integrated global business and financial planning across markets and functions.
Amazon says ‘Happy Prime Day’ on July 15

Seattle – July is often a slow-paced month for consumers, but Amazon.com is seeking to change that. In an effort to promote its Amazon Prime paid loyalty program, the retailer is encouraging customers to celebrate “Prime Day,” a one-day global shopping event on July 15 that is says will have more deals than Black Friday.