JoS. A. Bank Clothiers to accelerate expansion

JoS. A. Bank Clothiers Inc. says it will accelerate its expansion by opening 30-40 new stores next year, compared to the 10-15 it is opening this year. "Quality real estate opportunities are beginning to open in the marketplace and we are ready to expand our store base at a more rapid rate," said R. Neal Black, president and CEO of the men's apparel and accessories retailer, in a prepared statement. "We have a proven ability to open 60 stores a year and these future store openings will put us back on the track we were on prior to the national economic crisis," said Black. The Hampstead, Md.,-based company currently operates 467 stores in 42 states and the District of Columbia. It aims ultimately to grow to 600 stores.