Personnel Updates:
Aeropostale Inc. said President Michael J. Cunningham will be retiring, effective March 29. Mr. Cunningham will remain on the company’s board and his former responsibilities will be divided among existing executives, including CEO Thomas P. Johnson, who will assume responsibilities over information technology, and CFO Marc D. Miller, who will assume responsibilities over planning and allocation.
Cache announced that it has appointed Jay Margolis as Chairman and CEO of Cache. Concurrent with the appointment, Thomas Reinckens will step down as Chairman and CEO.
Claire’s Stores announced Friday that Dina Keenan has been appointed Global Senior VP and Chief Marketing Officer.
Hot Topic’s CFO, Jim McGinty, has resigned effective March 29. George Wehlitz will serve as Interim CFO.
The Jones Group Inc. has appointed Joseph Stafiniak to the newly created position of Senior VP Merchandising of Nine West.
Macy’s Inc. has assigned additional responsibilities to several of its executives following the retirement of Thomas Cole, CAO, who is leaving the company in May. William S. Allen has joined Macy’s as Chief Human Resources Officer. Robert B. Harrison is assuming the newly-created role of Chief Omnichannel Officer. Karen M. Hoguet will assume additional responsibility for credit and customer services, real estate, non-merchandise purchasing and sustainability. Peter Sachse will assume additional responsibility for store planning, design and construction.
Old Navy named Ivan Wicksteed as the new Global Chief Marketing Officer.
Under Armour, Inc. announced that Gene McCarthy is resigning as Senior VP Footwear. Kip Fulks, COO, will assume responsibility of footwear and continue to oversee the company’s operations division.
Wet Seal Inc. announced the departure of President and COO Ken Seipel and Barbara Cook, Senior VP Store Operations, in addition to the elimination of 35 positions at the retailer.
Industry Insight:
American Eagle Outfitters announced plans to open a series of vertically owned and operated-stores in Mexico, with the first location in Mexico City. Each store will include an Aerie presence either in shop-in-shop or side-by-side form.
Bebe has entered into a strategic global licensing agreement with Aldo to design, manufacture and distribute Bebe’s footwear. Set to launch for spring 2013, the Bebe shoe collection will be sold exclusively in Bebe stores worldwide. Wholesale distribution will follow with the fall 2013 collection to select specialty and department stores worldwide.
Under Armour Inc. will introduce its Under Armour Brand House concept in Baltimore, MD. The 8,000 sq. ft. store will be located at Harbor East.
Real Estate:
The Gymboree Corp. announced a Janie and Jack store is moving to the Mall at Chestnut Hill in Newton, MA.
Michael Kors plans to open two stores in New York, including its largest-ever global flagship. The company has signed a lease at Brookfield Place, a five-level retail property that is slated to open in June 2014. The Kors store will span 1,700 sq. ft. and will be dedicated to accessories. The company also recently announced plans to open a flagship in New York’s SoHo neighborhood by the end of 2013. The 17,000 sq. ft. flagship, which will be located at 520 Broadway, will mark the company’s largest-ever store and will include a 5,000 sq. ft. level dedicated to menswear.
Saks Inc. announced it will shutter its Saks Fifth Avenue store in the Dallas Galleria on June 15. Belk Inc. announced that it will fill the vacated space with a 170,000 sq. ft. flagship store that starts construction in July and is slated to open spring 2014.
Tommy Hilfiger is set to open a Los Angeles, CA flagship store. The 6,600 sq. ft. store will be located on Robertson Boulevard.
