Larry Meyer

As one retailer closes the book on its Canadian operations, another is writing its first chapter there. Japanese-owned specialty store Uniqlo said Monday that it will open two flagship locations in Toronto in fall 2016, its first stores in Canada. It then plans to expand its presence with a shop in Vancouver. "Entering the Canadian market is a milestone for the company and a significant step in our growth strategy," said Larry Meyer, CEO of Uniqlo USA and Canada.

Japanese apparel retailer Fast Retailing remains deliberate in its approach to the growth of its Uniqlo brand in the U.S., with plans for five more stores by mid-year. There are currently 1,300 Uniqlo locations worldwide in 13 countries, but only 17 stores in the U.S. The five new stores the company is adding this spring and summer will be located in King of Prussia, Pa., Stamford, Conn., and Daly City, Concord, and Milpitas, Calif. The company's other existing stores are clustered in the Northeast and Northern California. 

Forever 21, a clothing chain that attracts many under-21 customers with its inexpensive, trendy fashions, is being questioned about its motives in choosing a select group of states to carry its recently launched maternity line. The line, called Love 21 Maternity, is currently available in Arizona, Alaska, California, Utah and Texas.