News

A resurgent Coach to trim department store distribution
The momentum at Coach Inc. continued in the fourth quarter, as the company reported healthy same-store sales growth at its North American stores and better-than-expected earnings.
Teen apparel retailer to unveil new store prototype
It’s no secret that Abercrombie & Fitch has been developing a new prototype. The chain will unveil its new look early next year, at Polaris Fashion Place, in Columbus, Ohio. The store will herald a new direction for the brand with a new aesthetic and updated merchandise selections. It will be situated on the lower level near Madewell. Abercrombie has already introduced a new look for its Hollister store brand.

Video: Wal-Mart CEO, Jet.com CEO on ‘Squawk Box’

Doug McMillon, president and CEO of Wal-Mart Stores, and Mark Lore, co-founder and CEO of Jet.com, discussed Walmart’s acquisition of the online site and other industry topics on CNBC’s “Squawk Box.”
Construction on track for new Ikea

Ikea’s upcoming store in Columbus, Ohio, has begun taking shape. The company said that the structure’s steel framing has progressed far enough to allow for the installation of Ikea’s iconic blue composite panels. Installing the panels is a construction milestone that keeps the store on track to open in summer 2017.
Moody’s: This retail sector is on fire — even in physical space

The off-price retailer sector will continue to build momentum and outperform the apparel retail segment during the next five years. That’s according to a new report, "Off-Price Retailers Continue to Build Momentum on Value Appeal,” by Moody's Investors Service. Off-price retailers are anticipated to experience apparel revenue growth of 6% - 8%, outperforming the broader apparel segment by a collective 4% in the timeframe.
Sony Square NYC, New York City

A curated selection of Sony entertainment products and technologies — some of which are still in the prototype stage — are on display at the new Sony Square NYC. Located in the company's New York City headquarters on Madison Avenue, the 2,400-sq.-ft. store also will host consumer events, including photography classes, exclusive movie screenings and invitation-only performances by Sony Music artists.
Path opens up for Aeropostale rescue

Bankrupt Aeropostale Inc. may not be going out of business after all. The teen apparel chain has resolved a dispute with lenders that threatened to sink a potential bid from a unit of Versa Capital Management to buy the chain out of bankruptcy, Bloomberg reported. Versa would keep about 500 Aeropostale stores open, according to the report.
Outlet projects falter in Michigan

Two outlet mall projects in southern Michigan have been abandoned and another will miss its scheduled opening date, according to a report in the Detroit Free Press.
PetSmart takes in-store music to a whole new level

In-store background music isn’t just for the enjoyment of customers and associates anymore. PetSmart has selected Mood Media to take the audio experience to a whole new level with customized music designed to appeal not only to shoppers but also their four-legged friends.
Regency to build shopping center at new Orange County community

Regency Centers announced it has closed on land that will house the central shopping center in Tustin Legacy, a master-planned community taking shape in Orange County, California. Development costs are expected to hit $40 million. The 112,000-sq.-ft. Village at Tustin Legacy will be anchored by a Stater Bros. Market, and Regency reports that 80% of the remaining retail space is leased or committed. It will be the 11th property for Regency in Orange County, following on the recently completed Village at La Floresta in Brea.