In 2015 there were twelve major retailer acquisitions that occurred in the apparel specialty, department and shoe store industries. Macy’s, who will soon close at least 3 dozen of its namesake stores, bought leading luxury beauty retailer Bluemercury adding over 60 new specialty stores to its roster. Leading accessory retailer Coach Inc. purchased upscale shoe retailer Stuart Weitzman including its 44 store locations.

To remain relevant in the teen and young-adult apparel industry, American Eagle Outfitters Inc. acquired a vintage, sports-inspired apparel brand and a high-end men’s wear label. American Eagle announced plans to open as many as 200 Tailgate stores at universities nationwide, and sell American Eagle jeans alongside Tailgate’s retro tees. In order to stay innovative and ahead of the leading technologies, Fossil Group Inc. acquired Misfit, a maker of wearable devices. Belk Inc. was purchased by Sycamore Partners taking the company private. Since 1888 the department store retailer had been family-owned.

Hudson’s Bay Company recently announced its intent to acquire Gilt Groupe, an online luxury retailer. Gilt Groupe has more than nine million customers who registered to access the company’s online site focused on offering discounted luxury goods. Hudson’s Bay Company plans to leverage Gilt Groupe’s customer database, and will soon be integrating Gilt departments in its Saks Off 5th stores. This transaction will be completed in 2016 along with other acquisitions of small retailers and brand names.

2015 Retailer Acquisitions*

*Source: Chain Store Guide’s databases of Apparel Specialty Stores and Department Stores & Shoe Retailers