THE BIZ: Haider Ackermann Calls It Quits | Ted Baker Introduces Themed Stores...

• Haider Ackermann has announced he’s leaving his menswear line. His collection, which arrives after the New Year, will be his first and last – at least for now. (Vogue)

• Ted Baker’s New York stores are known to offer a certain flavor. The company will soon have more character, as it introduces individually-themed boutiques. (WWD)

• Vogue’s Virginia Smith may be the next women’s fashion director at Barney’s. CEO Mark Lee is rumored to have his eye on Smith to replace the vacant spot left by Julie Gilhart. (NY Mag)

• Uniqlo’s in-store sales declined 14.5 percent in November, though the company said they expected the slide due to difficult comps. (WWD)

• Now that Google’s Boutiques.com is up and running, the search engine giant is taking a closer look at women’s fashion. Google is seeking to better understand female shopping habits at present. (Detroit News)

• Walmart plans to reach Chinese consumers with a smaller, slimmed-down version of its retail chain. The company’s sales grew 8 percent more in international markets last year than in the U.S. (WP88)

• November’s numbers are rolling in, showing it was a solid month for retailers. Most ended the month significantly ahead of last year at this time; department stores continue strong growth. (WWD)

• According to a study by L2 Think Tank, Lancome and Aveda are the most relevant and on par luxury beauty brands in the market. A look at what the brands are doing right. (Luxury Daily)