Value clothing retailer Primark has increased earnings in its first-half thanks to higher sales, particularly in the UK, and a “substantial” increase in selling space.

Bolstering his pledge to “buy American and hire American”, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at promoting American industry and protecting it from “unfair competition”.

It was a big check with a big dollar figure that Jessica Rhee was handed by a couple of Knott’s Berry Farm’s characters for Susan G. Komen Orange County.

Rhee, a member of the nonprofit’s board, was at the theme park to receive the check for $108,867 from Knott’s officials, bringing the total donated to Komen to more than $468,000.

“This money will go toward free mammograms for those less fortunate, breast cancer awareness campaigns, and free breast exams,” Rhee said.

According to Rhee, each mammogram costs $125, which means the check will pay for more than 800 mammograms.

The partnership between Komen and Knott’s began in 2013. Every year, Knott’s illuminates some of its rides with pink lights to bring awareness to the campaign, which begins in January and lasts until early March each year.

As part of the campaign, Knott’s sells special “pink” admission tickets to the theme park, and also sells special pink souvenir Knott’s T-shirts – with a portion of the proceeds going to the nonprofit.

Learn more about Susan G. Komen Orange County at komenoc.org.

Twelve student-athletes at Laguna Hills High made their college choices official by signing National Letters of Intent during an on-campus ceremony, Tuesday.

The student-athletes represent seven different sports and are led by the softball team, which saw three players sign.

Here is a list of the student-athletes who signed:

Ryan Bishop, Loyola Marymount (soccer)

Isabella Boccia, Lindenburn University (water polo)

Matthew Davisson, University of San Diego (football)

Nick Delgado, Northwest Christian University (track & field)

Brett Jones, UC San Diego (soccer)

Anthony Le, Stanford (wrestling)

Logan Montgomery, UC Davis (football)

Keely Morgan, Missouri (softball)

Delaney Runyon, Ithaca College (volleyball)

Tatum Stein, Chapman (water polo)

Riley Thies, Towson University (softball)

Heather Turner, Dartmouth (softball)

San Clemente’s outlet shopping center and people who own homes across the freeway appear to be on a collision course over business signs that the center displays along I-5.

The 325,000-square-foot Outlets at San Clemente, located along southbound I-5 between the Avenida Vista Hermosa and Avenida Pico exits, presently has 18 temporary, permitted banner signs. They are designed to blend with the walls to look like wall signs rather than banners.

Developer Steve Craig is applying for a permit to display 36 permanent signs facing I-5. Officials said that the signs would include 25 on outlet buildings, five on an approved hotel that is to be built and six on a 45-foot-tall tower yet to be built.

The city has commissioned an environmental study to analyze potential impacts. People who want to submit specific concerns for analysis can write to Associate City Planner Cliff Jones at jonesc@san-clemente.org. Submissions are due Wednesday, April 26.

Areas covered by the study will include aesthetics, traffic, land-use issues and biological resources (an adjacent canyon).

At a public workshop held Thursday, April 13, people who live across the freeway from the outlets and look at the signs daily assailed the sign proposal, asserting that the signs already on display damage property values, upset residents’ tranquility and quality of life and cause dangerous distracted driving.

Residents called for minimal signs.

“The outlets in Carlsbad maybe have one little sign that says ‘outlets this exit,’ and there’s no freeway-oriented signage,” resident Thomas Whiten said. “Driving down the freeway looking at 35 or 45 signs trying to figure out what stores are there and whether you’re interested in them is as bad as trying to reset your GPS … or texting at the same time. It’s a safety hazard.”

“I feel bad for the homeowners that have to look at the signage,” said Marie Kirk, a Talega resident. “I drive through, and I am just ashamed at how San Clemente is changing.”

“We don’t want to live in the Citadel by the Sea,” resident Dan Feinberg said.

Craig said he was unable to attend the workshop due to a scheduling conflict, but he said there are misperceptions about sign aesthetics and traffic impacts. He said his proposed Outlets at San Clemente signs will not be flashy like The Citadel. He said they will be tasteful, “halo-lit signs that only cast the shadow of a letter and do not push any light out of the sign at all.” He said they will be comparable to the quality of signs in Santa Barbara and in keeping with the center’s Spanish Colonial architecture.

Several residents complained that construction of the outlet center took their ocean views and the signs further lower property values. They asked why the outlets’ desire to make profits should be more important than their desire to hold onto what they’ve had.

“Pretty much you know what’s in an outlet,” resident Gail Hiduke said. “We know that every outlet has a Nike. Wouldn’t it be good if they just had like a tower on I-5 that said Outlets, Pico – one on I-5 south, one on I-5 north, and that would pretty much tell people what the outlets are.”

Jim Smith, president of the homeowner association for Bella Vista, located on a hill behind San Clemente High School, asked the city to suspend the environmental process as his HOA was not notified of it and he believed other HOAs in the area were not.

Craig said some people believe that once they’ve built their dream house nothing else should be built. He said he designed the outlet center to fulfill some 30 pages of obligations in a development agreement with the city, and he believes it turned out well. He said he has rights to freeway-oriented signs under terms of the development agreement.

At a City Council meeting on April 18, local resident Karen Ahola complained that sketches of proposed signs at the April 13 meeting misrepresented the scale of signs. She asked the council to close what she called a loophole in the city’s banner ordinance that allows repeated renewal of temporary signs at the outlets.

Council members decided not to reconsider codes governing temporary signs at this time, while the biggest sign proposal in town, the outlets, is pending. That could cloud the issues, Councilman Tim Brown suggested.

Local resident Benjamin Doran told the council he doesn’t believe San Clemente residents realize the magnitude of illuminated signs that are coming and won’t “until it’s going to be in our faces.”

The city expects to receive a draft version of the environmental analysis in early June. The public will have a 45-day period to comment and the Planning Commission will hold a hearing. The City Council could consider the analysis and the sign proposal as early as October.

For approval, the City Council would have to issue what the city calls a “sign exception” permit finding the signage suitable. In 2016 the City Council voted 3-1 to ban new freeway-oriented signs anywhere in town, abolishing the exception permit. But the ban doesn’t apply to the outlets, since the retail center was approved under earlier rules.

“Short of any renegotiation of the development agreement, we would expect the city of San Clemente to live up to their obligations just as we have lived up to our obligations,” Craig said.

CALGARY, Alberta – The Ducks have an opportunity to finish off a four-game sweep of the Calgary Flames when the teams meet Wednesday night in Game 4 of the Western Conference quarterfinals at Scotiabank Saddledome.

On four prior occasions have the Ducks swept a playoff series – in the 2003 first round against Detroit and conference finals against Minnesota, in the 2006 semifinals against Colorado and the 2015 first round against Winnipeg.

The Ducks have won six straight games against Calgary, including the first three of this first-round series, despite allowing five power-play goals to the Flames and being outplayed for some significant stretches in Games 2 and 3.

A 5-4 overtime victory in Game 3 after erasing a 4-1 deficit would become the franchise’s greatest playoff comeback win. Asked what the mood was like ahead of a potential close-out game, Ducks coach Randy Carlyle said, “Hopefully it’s businesslike.”

“That’s what we’re trying to do. We’re trying not to get too high, not to get too low,” Carlyle added. “Stay on an even keel. Try to play to a higher level than we did the last game. That’s been our goal since we’ve started the playoffs. We want to continue to grow our group.”

Once again, Carlyle – as is his policy – did not announce his starting goalie for Game 4, but John Gibson (2-0, 3.22 GAA, .906 SV%) is expected to get the nod even though he was pulled in the second period of Game 3 after allowing four goals on 16 shots.

Jonathan Bernier stopped all 16 shots he faced and got the win in relief, but Gibson left the ice first during the Ducks’ morning skate Wednesday, which usually indicates that night’s starter. When asked how much thought he put into choosing a Game 4 goalie, Carlyle said, “None.”

Carlyle did say defenseman Sami Vatanen will miss his third straight game due to a lingering upper-body injury. Vatanen played in Game 1 but did have to sit out two games near the end of the regular season because of the injury.

Greeted with an acknowledgment of his 61st birthday Wednesday, a grinning Carlyle retorted, “Where’s my gifts?” It could be one to remember if the Ducks do wrap up their series and advance.

Here is the projected lineup for the Ducks:

Rickard Rakell-Ryan Getzlaf-Patrick Eaves

Andrew Cogliano-Ryan Kesler-Jakob Silfverberg

Nick Ritchie-Antoine Vermette-Corey Perry

Chris Wagner-Nate Thompson-Logan Shaw

Hampus Lindholm-Brandon Montour

Shea Theodore-Kevin Bieksa

Korbinian Holzer-Josh Manson

While one coach is adamant about not announcing his goalie, the other has no such issue. Flames coach Glen Gulutzan confirmed he’s sticking with Brian Elliott (0-3, 3.67 GAA, .887 SV%) for Game 4.

Elliott was the victim of a bad bounce on Ryan Getzlaf’s bank-shot-looking goal to win Game 2, but the veteran struggled throughout Game 3, allowing a seemingly harmless Shea Theodore shot to glance in off his glove and letting a sharp-angle Corey Perry try turn into a rebound that bounced in off Calgary defenseman Michael Stone for the overtime winner.

On Tuesday, Gulutzan had not committed to Elliott but threw his support behind him. Chad Johnson has returned as a backup but is also coming off a suspected groin injury suffered in the March 4 game in Anaheim after making a save on a shot by the Ducks’ Andrew Cogliano.

Gulutzan said he did not speak directly with Elliott, whose save percentage in the playoffs is the worst among the 16 goalies to have started this postseason.

“Certainly I gave him the nod and the chance to go in the net,” Gulutzan said. “That speaks for itself. But certainly (goaltending coach) Jordan Sigalet is in contact with our goalies. Daily dialogue. The message of belief in everything goes through him.”

The Flames are also making some lineup changes. Curtis Lazar and Freddie Hamilton will make their first appearances of the series as they’ll jump on the fourth line in place of the more experienced Matt Stajan and Lance Bouma.

Lazar played in six playoff games with Ottawa in 2015 while Hamilton is making his postseason debut. Hamilton, 25, is the older brother of Calgary defenseman Dougie Hamilton.

“It’s an energy thing,” Gulutzan said. “We’re down three. These two players have played pretty well in the games that they’ve come in. Provided energy. Speed with Curtis, right shots for draws.

“The other thing too is mentally I think it’s just a change. Also two guys that are not down 3-0 in the series. They’re trying to stay in the lineup each and every night. Just a change for our group.”

Sean Monahan and Sam Bennett have combined for five of the Flames’ eight goals in the series. Monahan’s three – all coming on the power play – is second behind all playoff performers. Pittsburgh’s Jake Guentzel has five.

Here is the projected lineup for the Flames:

Johnny Gaudreau-Sean Monahan-Micheal Ferland

Matthew Tkachuk-Mikael Backlund-Michael Frolik

Kris Versteeg-Sam Bennett-Alex Chiasson

Freddie Hamilton-Curtis Lazar-Troy Brouwer

Mark Giordano-Dougie Hamilton

TJ Brodie-Michael Stone

Matt Bartkowski-Deryk Engelland

When the textbooks close, the ping pong table opens.

Every Tuesday lunch hour at Sunny Hills High, boys and girls gather inside of Soon-Ya Gordon’s foreign languages classroom to unwind, relax and show their friends whose domain they’ve entered.

In its first year, the school’s table tennis club – launched by junior Robin Wang – has piqued the interest of more than 50 students of varying background and skill.

On Tuesday, April 25, the club will hold the finals of its inaugural spring tournament. Jun Gao, a nine-time U.S. women’s table tennis champion and former No. 1-ranked player in the country, is to present awards to the winners.

“The idea of the tournament was to raise interest in playing table tennis and connect members of the club and the school with different cultural backgrounds,” Wang said.

The teen, who first played table tennis in fifth grade, has been a member of Gao’s California Table Tennis club since his family immigrated to the U.S. from China in 2014.

Last year, Wang discussed with Gordon starting a club at Sunny Hills. When asked if her classroom could be used for weekly meetings, Gordon didn’t see why not.

“I myself do not play sports,” said Gordon, whose husband, Jeff, is the school’s longtime girls soccer coach. “But (Robin) had been talking to me for over a year, and he was really into (table tennis). I know he’s a good kid, and that he just wants to promote his sport. I figured this year I should help him out.”

Before the launch, Wang bought a table and some supplies. His friends joined; then students saw the table in Gordon’s classroom and asked their teacher why it was there.

Participation grew.

In addition to recreational matches during lunch, club members occasionally watch instructional videos. Since there’s only one table, students take turns playing games to 11 points.

“It’s fun to watch the kids enjoy it,” Gordon said. “Some kids want to play every time they’re here. But some enjoy the company and watching others have fun.”

Wang said he hopes to raise enough money through fundraisers to buy a couple more tables.

“It’s not easy to set up a club,” Gordon said. “But Robin put in all the time to make it work. He’s always been very mature; thinking about others, thinking about promoting Chinese culture.

“He’s thinking beyond what he likes to do for himself.”

Twenty years in the bridal business and Reem Acra has crafted a brand of fantasy gowns with a hallmark of glamour, ultrafemininity and intricate embroidery. She staged her milestone runway show at the Tiffany flagship on 5th Avenue, pointing to the jeweler’s stamp on luxury and quality as the perfect collaborator for her special moment. “Today we celebrate the glamour of a woman, and empowering women,” Acra said after the show. “All of this is really inspired by the Tiffany’s woman.”
The inspiration was clear with the show’s opening looks — a group of ultrachic, sleek bejeweled black gowns à la Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” “I know I invited everybody to celebrate my collection of wedding dresses, but I always like to surprise,” the designer said with a breath of coy confession. “I sketched in one day and told them, this is it, and then the wedding dresses will come later. So it all started with these.” The black gowns, all great, and with varying beading flourishes around the bodice, shoulders, neckline and wrists, maintained the spirit of classic design without getting stuck in the past. They were appropriate for any gala, any reception, in any era.
But what

Follow WWD on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.Read More…

CASUAL KATE: Ahead of the annual London Marathon, which takes place this Sunday, the Duchess of Cambridge has stepped out and met with runners who are supporting the Heads Together campaign on Wednesday.
Heads Together is a mental health initiative spearheaded by the duchess, Prince William and Prince Harry. It aims to raise awareness around issues pertaining to mental illness.
On Wednesday, the young royal helped to launch Royal Mail mailboxes decorated with light blue Heads Together headbands which are situated along the London Marathon route. She met and spoke with the runners who will be supporting the Heads Together campaign by raising money, and wished them well as they prepare for the running event.
Kate Middleton kept it casual and wore a striped Luisa Spagnoli knit top with skinny jeans and white sneakers.
The duchess, Prince William and Prince Harry are scheduled to mark the official opening of the London Marathon on Sunday. The running course begins at three different points, in Greenwich Park, St John’s Park and on Shooters Hill Road. The race ends at Buckingham Palace.
Earlier this week, the duchess joined the royal family at a Sunday Easter service in Windsor. The duke and duchess joined Princess Anne, Autumn and Peter

Follow WWD on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

Read More…

LESS IS MORE: After relaunching her signature label in the fall with a collection of cocktail sweaters, Alex Gore Browne is keeping things small and exclusive for now.
Matchesfashion.com was the first to pick up the line, and Moda Operandi has added the spring collection. The 10-style assortment is more defined than the 30-item women’s wear label she introduced in 2000 and kept going until 2008. She spent the next eight years consulting first for Alexander McQueen and later at Nina Ricci for Peter Copping. Unlike her first go-round, the collection will not be found at Harvey Nichols, Browns, Harrods and Net-a-porter.
Browne’s m.o. is “to really pinpoint where it gets placed,” she said. Retailing from $125 to $1,500, the cocktail sweaters are meant to be paired with a long flowing skirt, culottes or anything else. “I just love the idea that when you go out in the evening, you can be really comfortable but look glamorous, as well. Sometimes a dress can be quite restricting,” she said. “I know if I’m really comfortable, but I also feel like I look good, I’ll have a much better evening. If I’m uncomfortable, I don’t mind for a bit. But I definitely can’t relax as

Follow WWD on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

Read More…