Personnel Updates

• Abercrombie & Fitch Co. appointed Scott D. Lipesky as Senior VP and CFO.

• Chico’s FAS Inc. named Mary van Praag as President of the Soma brand.

• Destination Maternity Corporation announced that Anthony Romano is stepping down as President, CEO.

• Francesca’s Holdings Corp. announced that Laurie Hummel, Exec VP and Chief Merchandising Officer, has left the company.

• Hudson’s Bay Company named Edward Record as CFO. He succeeds Paul Beesley, who is leaving the company. The retailer also announced that Don Watros, President of HBC International, will leave the company.

• J.Crew Group Inc. announced that Vincent Zanna has been promoted to CFO and Treasurer.

• Macy’s Inc. has recently named Hal Lawton as President of the company.

• Nordstrom, Inc. announced that Kelley Hall has joined the company as Senior VP, Chief Accounting Officer.

• Tailored Brands, Inc. announced that Andrew Iwaskow has joined the company as Exec VP Human Resources. The company also announced the appointment of Frank Hamlin as Exec VP and Chief Marketing Officer and Boris Sherman as Exec VP and Chief Technology Officer.

Financial Focus

• Aerogroup International LLC has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The company plans to close nearly all of its stores in the United States.

• The Gymboree Corp. won court approval to exit bankruptcy with a reorganization plan that includes closing 330 underperforming stores.

Mergers and Acquisitions

• DTLR Holding, Inc. announced it will merge with Villa. The joined companies will operate a combined 240 stores across 19 states.

• Signet Jewelers Limited has agreed to acquire R2Net, owner of online jewelry retailer JamesAllen.com, and Segoma Imaging Technologies, a technology provider. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2018.

• VF Corporation announced that it will acquire Williamson-Dickie Manufacturing Company.

Industry Insight

• Abercrombie & Fitch Co. has revealed plans to open its first store in Saudi Arabia.

• Bloomingdale’s announced it will launch a new beauty department concept called Glowhaus that will aim to appeal to Millennials.

• Nordstrom Inc. has announced plans to launch a new inventory-free retail concept, called Nordstrom Local. The concept will debut in Los Angeles, CA. The 3,000 sq. ft. store will feature personal stylists appointed to transfer merchandise for customers and provide services such as alterations.

• Saks Incorporated is partnering with Joel Warren, co-founder of the Warren-Tricomi hair salon chain, on the Salon Project. The new concept will offer hair care, skin care and beauty services. The salons which will range in size between 3,000 sq. ft. to 5,000 sq. ft. will launch this fall in select stores.

Real Estate

• Birks Group Inc. has announced plans to launch new locations in Oshawa, ON, and Surrey, BC. The company announced three existing locations in Ontario, Alberta, and Quebec will be relocated to renovated spaces. The new stores average 1,100 sq. ft.

• David Yurman opened a new 3,250 sq. ft. boutique along Michigan Avenue in Chicago, IL.

• Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc. said it expects to open 43 new Dick’s locations, relocate seven Dick’s stores, open eight new Golf Galaxy locations, relocate one Golf Galaxy store and open eight new Field & Stream locations.

• DSW Inc. opened of its first store in Saudi Arabia. The new 15,000 sq. ft. store is located at the Mall of Dhahran.

• Duluth Trading Company will open its first store in Colorado in September. The 20,000 sq. ft. store will be located at the Larkridge Shopping Center in Thornton, CO.

• Gap Inc. said it will close about 200 Gap and Banana Republic stores in the next three years and open about 270 Old Navy and Athleta stores during the same period.

• Kohl’s Corporation announced plans to make nearly half its locations “operationally smaller” by the end of 2017. The retailer is also upping its commitment to open new smaller format stores.

• Lululemon Athletica Inc. will make its debut in downtown Detroit, MI later this month.

• The Neiman Marcus Group announced that it will close 10 Last Call stores.

• Rogers Enterprises Inc. opened its newest Ashcroft & Oak location at the Empire Mall in Sioux Falls, SD.

• The TJX Companies Inc. reported that it will open 260 new locations this year.

• ThredUp Inc. announced the opening of its second location in Walnut Creek, CA.

Technology News

• Nordstrom Inc. announced the roll out of its Reserve Online & Try In-store service to approximately 40 stores. The service allows customers to select items online and try them on in person at their nearest store. Customers receive a text message when their items are ready.