Mergers & Acquisitions
The Gap said it's expanded Gap and Banana Republic's online presence to eight additional European countries through its European e-commerce sites. Gap debuted the sites in the U.K. in August 2010 and then expanded to include nine additional European countries in October 2010.
GSI Commerce has announced that it's signed a definitive agreement to acquire Fanatics, Inc., an online retailer of licensed sports merchandise. The combination of Fanatics with GSI's online licensed sports merchandise business will create a leader in the online licensed sports merchandise industry.
Wal-Mart Stores is in talks to become a partner of Indonesian retailer PT Matahari Putra Prima to develop its hypermarts, according to Reuters. Matahari last month said it will seek a "global partner" to develop its hypermart business.
Selling more things at full price, controlling operating costs and increasing wholesale revenue helped Polo Ralph Lauren Corp.'s fiscal third-quarter net income rise by more than half, the company said.
Footwear retailer DSW and its largest shareholder, Retail Ventures, announced that the two companies have signed a definitive merger agreement providing for RVI to become a wholly-owned subsidiary of DSW in a tax-free exchange of shares at an exchange ratio of 0.435 DSW shares per each RVI share.
Apple has begun a super-secret quest for a store in historic Grand Central Terminal, potentially creating a hive of buzzing techies in the glamorous Beaux Arts landmark.
Multiple news sources have reported that discounter Big Lots is exploring its options, including a potential sale. No reports have yet been confirmed by the retailer.
BJ's Wholesale Club said that it's decided "to explore and evaluate strategic alternatives, including a possible sale of the company." That only confirms what the market has known for months: there's an auction going on for the retailer.
For the first time since launching the makeup brand 16 years ago, Francois Nars will be opening a namesake, stand-alone boutique. It officially opens on Feb. 10 in New York City's West Village.
Urban Outfitters will debut a wedding brand called BHLDN on Valentine's Day. BHLDN's first collection will be offered through its online boutique, www.bhldn.com. The collection will bring together a curated selection of heirloom-quality wedding gowns, bridesmaid frocks, party dresses, assorted jewelry, headpieces, footwear and lingerie.