SGB Apparel

Consumer Confidence Index Improves Modestly

Consumer sentiment in the U.S. improved modestly in early April, as reported in the University of Michigan’s Consumer Confidence Index, rising to 63.5 (preliminary) from 62 index points in March—better than the market expectation of 62.

Tilly’s, Inc. Appoints New Chief Merchant

Tilly’s, Inc. hired Laura Janney as EFP and chief merchandising officer, effective May 8, overseeing the retailer’s buying, sourcing and product development and coordinating consistency in its in-store and online consumer merchandising experience.

Carhartt To Open Distribution Center In Fort Worth

Carhartt reported it intends to open a 1.2 million square foot distribution center in Forth Worth, TX located west of the Texas Motor Speedway at 16101 Wolff Crossing. The planned opening is in 2024 and will support 500 jobs.

JD Sports Appoints General Counsel

JD Sports Fashion Plc, parent company for Finish Line, Shoe Palace and DTLR retail brands in the U.S., hired Theresa Casey as general counsel and company secretary of JD, effective immediately.

Walmart Closes Four Stores In Chicago

Walmart reported it will close four of its eight stores in Chicago after stating the stores were losing “tens of millions of dollars a year, and the retailer’s annual losses nearly doubled in just the last five years.”

Dillard’s Debt Ratings Upgraded

S&P Global Ratings raised the debt ratings on Dillard’s Inc. as the department store chain has maintained a “stable performance and a conservative financial policy even in the volatile retail operating environment of the past year.”