Softgoods
The Softgoods segment of the Hot 100 is headed by Ascena Retail Group — not surprising, given that the former Dress Barn is the hottest retailer in the nation this year. What is more of a surprise is the presence of three department store operators — Nordstrom, Kohl’s and Macy’s — since that category has been written off as being on its way to extinction by more than a few analysts and industry watchers.
