Apparel

Keep trends timeless with today's Editor's Picks.

Pricey athletic gear is gaining popularity. What does this mean for your performance wear sales?

American Apparel Inc. announced preliminary sales for the month and quarter ended March 31, 2012. The company reported that for the month ended March 31, 2012, total net sales increased 15 percent to $49.0 million when compared to the month ended March 31, 2011.

Ennis Inc. announced Friday that the board of directors has increased the quarterly dividend to $0.175 per share from $0.155 per share, or an increase of 13 percent, and has set the record date for the annual shareholder meeting.

Wilcom International, Sydney, Australia, has released a service pack for all customers on the current version (e2) of DecoStudio e2 and EmbroideryStudio e2.

Editor's Picks has the cure for what ails your hospital promotions this week with doctor scrubs.

Apparel supplier SanMar is eyeing a new midwestern distribution center according to a recent article. The Star Tribune reported that the Preston, Washington-based apparel company is looking to lease a $35 million facility in Shakopee, Minn.

American Apparel Inc. celebrated its 15th anniversary on March 29, and State Assemblyman Gil Cedillo and Los Angeles City Councilmember José Huizar, who each represent American Apparel's district, turned out for the ceremony at the vertical retailer's headquarters in downtown Los Angeles.

"You created an example and a model," Cedillo said to a delegation of American Apparel workers gathered at the ceremony. "We can create a profitable business in the United States that makes products for China and Latin America." Cedillo applauded American Apparel for its acts of support for immigrants, who make up much of the company's work force.

U.S. cotton acreage will probably fall short of USDA's projected 13.15 million acres, but exports could be higher than projected on increases in world demand and continued stockpiling of cotton by the Chinese, according to analysts speaking at the Ag Market Network's March teleconference.

"A lot of things have happened since March 1," when the surveys for USDA's March 30 Prospective Plantings report were taken, said O.A. Cleveland, professor emeritus, Mississippi State University.

This includes more U.S. cotton producers shifting to corn. "We've had very good moisture through the Southeast and Mid-South," Cleveland said.

Colman and Company is launching a completely redesigned website and shopping cart at www.colmanandcompany.com later today.