Content about Cultural history

May 22, 2013

American Eagle Outfitters Inc. earned $28 million in its first quarter, down from $39.7 million in the same quarter last year, as cooler weather hurt demand for its spring fashions and some special charges cut into its results.

Pittsburgh -- American Eagle Outfitters Inc. earned $28 million in its first quarter, down from $39.7 million in the same quarter last year, as cooler weather hurt demand for its spring fashions and some special charges cut into its results. But the retailer still beat market expectations.

In related news, American Eagle Outfitters will invest more than $160 million to construct a new direct-to-consumer distribution center in Hazle Township, Pa.

May 22, 2013

A federal judge in Denver is considering an injunction after ruling that nearly 250 Abercrombie & Fitch stores, including its namesake and Hollister banners, are unfriendly to the disabled, the Associated Press reported.

Denver -- A federal judge in Denver is considering an injunction after ruling that nearly 250 Abercrombie & Fitch stores, including its namesake and Hollister banners, are unfriendly to the disabled, the Associated Press reported.

The judge agreed in March with the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition that the stores limited access for wheelchair-bound customers.  He said the only option under the Americans With Disabilities Act is an injunction ordering the problems to be fixed, the report said.

May 21, 2013

Family Dollar presented its annual Strategic IT Partner of the Year award to Trade Area Systems at its IT Strategic Partner.

Matthews, N.C. – Family Dollar presented its annual Strategic IT Partner of the Year award to Trade Area Systems at its IT Strategic Partner last month. In September 2012, Family Dollar implemented the Trade Area Systems TAS Unity solution to give real estate managers mobile access to a database of real estate photos, comments and other relevant data.

May 2, 2013

By Douglas H. Meal, David T. Cohen, and Lisa L. Rachlin, Ropes & Gray LLP

By Douglas H. Meal, David T. Cohen, and Lisa L. Rachlin, Ropes & Gray LLP

Retailers, like all businesses, constantly seek to learn more about their customers in order to serve them better. In Tyler v. Michaels Stores, however, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court recently ruled that a simple step taken by many retailers to help achieve this goal – collecting the ZIP codes of their customers at the point of sale – can in some circumstances violate Massachusetts’ consumer protection statute.
   

April 3, 2013

In its annual report filed Tuesday, Abercrombie & Fitch revealed that it plans to open Abercrombie & Fitch flagship stores in Seoul and Shanghai in 2013, as well as 20 international Hollister stores.

New York -- In its annual report filed Tuesday, Abercrombie & Fitch revealed that it plans to open Abercrombie & Fitch flagship stores in Seoul and Shanghai in 2013, as well as 20 international Hollister stores. The news sent the teen retailer’s shares rising on Wednesday.

The company also said in the report that it is maintaining its focus on boosting profitability by simplifying processes, eliminating less-profitable parts of its business, shoring up efficiencies and cutting expenses.

February 26, 2013

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. announced the promotion of Amy Zehrer to the position of EVP stores, from SVP, effective immediately.

New Albany, Ohio -- Abercrombie & Fitch Co. announced the promotion of Amy Zehrer to the position of EVP stores, from SVP, effective immediately.

Zehrer has been with Abercrombie & Fitch since 1992; she joined as a manager-in-training at the brand’s Rosedale Mall location in Roseville, Minn. Over the last 21 years, Zehrer has proven herself as a definitive leader, evolving the Abercrombie & Fitch brand and playing an integral part in the success of its international expansion, the company said.

February 22, 2013

Abercrombie & Fitch Co.’s net income rose to $157.2 million for the fourth quarter, compared with $45.8 million a year earlier for a 13-week period.

New Albany, Ohio -- Abercrombie & Fitch Co.’s net income rose to $157.2 million for the fourth quarter, compared with $45.8 million a year earlier for a 13-week period. The chain said its net income was calculated using a new system for valuing inventory
 
Sales rose 11% to $1.47 billion for the 14 weeks ended Feb. 2, led by a 34% rise in international sales. (The period, however, includes an extra week compared to year earlier.)

Same-store sales were flat for the namesake chain, down 2% at Hollister and down 3% abroad.

February 8, 2013

Levi Strauss & Co reported that net income for the quarter ended Nov. 25 rose to $53 million, from $44 million in the year-ago period.

San Francisco -- Levi Strauss & Co reported Thursday that net income for the quarter ended Nov. 25 rose to $53 million, from $44 million in the year-ago period.

Revenue slid 3% to $1.3 billion, hurt by slowed sales in Asia.

 

December 21, 2012

J.C. Penney Co. has hired Brandon Tonniges, a former Abercrombie & Fitch Co. executive, as director of visual merchandising, Bloomberg reported.

New York -- J.C. Penney Co. has hired Brandon Tonniges, a former Abercrombie & Fitch Co. executive, as director of visual merchandising, Bloomberg reported.

Tonniges was a VP in Abercrombie’s “brand senses” division, described on the chain’s website as the “creative force” behind its store experience, according to the report.

Tonniges will report to a VP under Michael Fisher, who was named SVP visual presentation in March.

 

December 17, 2012

A report issued by CEB TowerGroup found that sales of gift cards will surpass $110 billion and spillage will drop 20% to $1.7 billion.

Boston -- A report issued Monday by CEB TowerGroup found that sales of gift cards will surpass $110 billion and spillage will drop 20% to $1.7 billion.

Propelling gift card sales past the $100 billion dollar mark is an increase in open loop gift cards purchases like those offered by American Express, Visa, Mastercard and Discover ($40 billion), restaurant gift cards ($19 billion) and merchant cards ($36 billion).

November 20, 2012

Simon Property Group said that St. Louis Premium Outlets, located in Chesterfield, Mo., has moved up its opening date to Aug. 22, 2013, and will be joined by Nike, Cole Haan, Converse, Gymboree, Adidas, Wilsons Leather and Claire's Accessories.

Indianapolis -- Simon Property Group said that St. Louis Premium Outlets, located in Chesterfield, Mo., has moved up its opening date to Aug. 22, 2013, and will be joined by Nike, Cole Haan, Converse, Gymboree, Adidas, Wilsons Leather and Claire's Accessories.

Other previously announced tenants include anchor Saks Fifth Avenue Off5TH, Ann Taylor, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Brooks Brothers, Elie Tahari, J.Crew, Jones New York, Loft Outlet, Max Studio, Tommy Hilfiger, Van Heusen and Vera Bradley.

November 16, 2012

Private equity firm Apax Partners said that it will acquire Cole Haan from Nike for $570 million in cash.

New York -- Private equity firm Apax Partners said Friday that it will acquire Cole Haan from Nike for $570 million in cash.  

Cole Haan sells through 108 domestic stores, 68 international stores, online and through department stores. It has been a part of Nike since 1988.

To effect the acquisition, Apax is partnering with Jack Boys, who led the revitalization of Converse.

The transaction is expected to close in early 2013.

November 14, 2012

Abercrombie and Fitch reported net income of $71.5 million for the third quarter, compared with $50.9 million in the year-ago period and beating Wall Street expectations.

Columbus, Ohio -- Abercrombie and Fitch reported Wednesday net income of $71.5 million for the third quarter, compared with $50.9 million in the year-ago period and beating Wall Street expectations. The retailer is forecasting annual earnings above analysts’ estimates.

Revenue rose 9% to $1.17 billion, boosted by a 37% rise in international sales. Same-store sales dipped 3%.

 

November 2, 2012

Target Corp. unveiled its lineup of gift cards for the upcoming holiday season.

Minneapolis -- Target Corp. unveiled its lineup of gift cards for the upcoming holiday season. The expanded assortment, which include traditional gift cards with holiday and multicultural designs, and digital options, will be available in stores on Nov. 4

October 24, 2012

The Body Shop launched a new earth-friendly eGift Card service powered by CashStar, a digital gifting and incentives company.

PORTLAND, Maine -- The Body Shop launched a new earth-friendly eGift Card service powered by CashStar, a digital gifting and incentives company. Customers can now  purchase and send personalized eGift Cards to family and friends for redemption online or at any of the thousands of The Body Shop stores across the United States and Canada.
 

October 16, 2012

Family Dollar Stores has named Jocelyn Wong to the position of SVP, chief marketing officer.

Matthews, N.C. — Family Dollar Stores has named Jocelyn Wong to the position of SVP, chief marketing officer. Wong will report to Michael Bloom, president and COO.

October 12, 2012

More and more retailers are using digital technology to enhance the physical store experience and engage customers.

New York -- More and more retailers are using digital technology to enhance the physical store experience and engage customers. In the latest example, Adidas has taken window shopping to a new level with an interactive digital window concept that connects with consumers’ smartphones, making it easy to shop at any time without an app or scanning various QR codes. Consumers shopping for the latest fashion items are using time during a six-week pilot test at the Adidas NEO Label store-front in Nürnberg, Germany.

September 12, 2012

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. has hired Goldman Sachs Group Inc. in the wake of investor pressure, according to Reuters.

New York -- Abercrombie & Fitch Co. has hired Goldman Sachs Group Inc. in the wake of investor pressure, according to Reuters.

The report was based on a source familiar with the matter who did elaborate on the nature of the pressure was or name the investors. But CNBC tweeted that Goldman was hired to help keep activist Relational Investors at bay.

 

September 4, 2012

Whole Foods Market said that it has launched two new eco-friendly gift cards, with plans to replace the recycled plastic cards that will be phased out over time.

Austin, Texas -- Whole Foods Market said Friday that it has launched two new eco-friendly gift cards, with plans to replace the  recycled plastic cards that will be phased out over time.

The new cards – one made of paper and the other of responsibly harvested wood— are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and have a lower carbon footprint, are reusable, recyclable, compostable and require less energy to be produced.

August 15, 2010

Office Depot said Monday that it will roll out U.S. Postal Service offerings within its...

July 5, 2010

The Abercrombie & Fitch store in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood that was closed last week because...

August 31, 2008

The Buckle likes staying underneath the radar. With 381 stores in 38 states, the...

August 4, 2008

Steve & Barry’s announced late Monday that it has agreed to a $163 million takeover...

May 26, 2008

Abercrombie & Fitch announced on Tuesday that the company has embarked on a series of...