Turmoil at American Fashion Retailers

NEW YORK, United States — In the last few weeks, the American fashion industry has been rocked by significant changes at some of the country's most high-profile fashion retailers.

Last week, J.Crew eliminated 175 jobs and dismissed the head of women's design, Tom Mora, in what chief executive Mickey Drexler called difficult but necessary changes. J.Crew creative director, Jenna Lyons, retained her post at the top of the company's design department, while Mora was replaced by Somsack Sikhounmuong, formerly of Madewell. To some industry observers, Mora's dismissal made him a scapegoat for wider problems at the business.

Then, on Monday, Gap announced that it was closing 175 stores in North America, as the company aims to consolidate its sprawling retail portfolio and find its footing under new chief executive Art Peck. Same-store sales fell 10 percent in the first quarter of this year, compared with a 5 percent decline in the same quarter last year.

Meanwhile, it was announced that Aaron Levine has left Club Monaco, where he was the head menswear designer, to take on a role at yet another ailing American retailer: Abercrombie & Fitch. Abercrombie is in the midst of a rebranding to signal a step away from the company's sexualised marketing.

It all begs the question as to whether these changes will be enough to save these retail giants, which have lost touch with their traditional teen audiences. I expect more changes to come.

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