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Deb Shops Going Out of Business
January 12, 2015

Teens will soon have fewer choices when it comes to shopping for the latest fashions. Deb Shops announced it has won court approval to launch going-out-of-business sales that will culminate with the closing of nearly 300 stores. "We thank our many customers and dedicated employees for their tremendous loyalty over the years and are very proud of our associates' commitment to maintaining the high level of customer service we are known for throughout this transition," said Dawn Robertson, CEO at Deb Shops.

Retail Trends to Watch in 2015
January 9, 2015

With 2015 upon us, I wanted to identify two retail trends that I think you need to be paying close attention to this year:

Neiman Marcus Pilots ‘Table Commerce’
January 9, 2015

"Table commerce" (or perhaps "t-commerce") isn't a widely recognized channel of customer engagement, but The Neiman Marcus Group just may change that. Neiman Marcus is piloting three interactive tables from T1Visions in its Austin, Texas, Chicago, and Topanga, Calif., locations. The retail tables, prominently displayed in each store's shoe salon, feature a 32-inch Ultra HD 4K touchscreen, covered by a single continuous pane of glass that's customized in color per Neiman Marcus' specifications. The touchscreens are powered by T1Visions' OneShop application that allows shoppers to browse and filter Neiman Marcus' in-store and out-of-store inventory.

Macy's Announces Massive Restructuring
January 9, 2015

Macy's announced a sweeping reorganization fueled by big changes in how Americans shop. Both Macy's and Bloomingdale's, the department store's upscale sister chain, are restructuring their merchandising and marketing functions so that one unified merchandising and marketing organization — a combination of store and online buying — will support the entire Macy's business. The changes are designed to accelerate both store and digital growth.

Holiday Sales Growth Best Since ’05, ShopperTrak Reports
January 9, 2015

U.S. holiday sales grew at their fastest pace in almost a decade, lifted by a strengthening economy and consumers spreading out their purchases over a longer season, according to ShopperTrak. Holiday spending over November and December jumped 4.6 percent versus the same period last year, beating ShopperTrak’s prediction of 3.8 percent, the research firm said today in a report. That was the best performance since 2005, before the last recession, when sales gained 5.2 percent.

Wet Seal to Close 338 Stores
January 8, 2015

The downfall of Wet Seal took another step forward Wednesday when the retailer announced it will shutter 338 stores. The store closings bring the termination of around 3,695 full- and part-time employees. After the closures, Wet Seal will have just 173 stores remaining, along with its online business. "This was a very difficult decision to make, but after reviewing many other options since I returned to the company in September, our financial condition leaves us no other alternative than to close these stores," CEO Ed Thomas said in a statement. 

Under Armour Debuts ‘Social Network for Activity’
January 8, 2015

Under Armour is nipping at Nike's heels in apparel sales. Now, with its latest product, unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) on Tuesday, the Baltimore company is going after Nike on another front. UA Record, Under Armour's new health-tracking software, pairs with a bevy of wearable devices. Its dashboard allows the fitness obsessed to interact with others by sharing results and posting photos and videos. "It's a social network for activity," said Senior Vice President Robin Thurston on the CES show floor where the company claimed a central space.

J.C. Penney to Close 40 Stores in 2015
January 8, 2015

J.C. Penney will close about 40 stores over the next year, according to a company spokesman. The closures will impact less than 4 percent of Penney's total store base and approximately 2,250 associates, according to spokesman Joey Thomas. Most locations will close on or about April 4, Thomas said. Penney's currently operates about 1,060 stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. "We continually evaluate our store portfolio to determine whether there's a need to close or relocate underperforming stores," Thomas said. "Reviews such as these are essential in meeting our long-term goals for future company growth."

PVH Corp. Announces Closing of Izod Retail Division
January 8, 2015

PVH announced that it will close its Izod retail division, with the closing expected to be completed by the end of fiscal 2015. The closure of the retail business isn't expected to impact the company's growing Izod wholesale business. The Izod retail division currently operates approximately 120 stores. Approximately 20 stores will be converted to formats under Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger nameplates, with the remaining stores to be closed. 

Target Announces Collaboration With Lilly Pulitzer
January 8, 2015

Palm Beach is just an aisle away. Retail giant Target announced Tuesday its latest designer partnership, with Lilly Pulitzer — sorority-girl favorite and the queen of bold American resortwear. The 250-piece collection, which launches April 19, will feature apparel, accessories and shoes for women and girls, as well as home decor in 15 exclusive prints.