Marketing

Lawrenceville, Ga. -- Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group and its real estate platform The Mills announced that a newly expanded 20,000-sq.-ft. Forever 21 will open at its value retail destination Discover Mills, located in Atlanta.

The enlarged Forever 21 is slated to open summer 2012 near Entry 5 across from Nike Factory Store.

“An expanded and relocated Forever 21 enhances our value retail mix and the overall shopping experience at Discover Mills,” said Karl Woodard, general manager of Discover Mills.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway has given Steve Frisby, the added responsibility of the company's Seattle division after the exit of the current president, Greg Sparks. Frisby, who joined Safeway in 1972, currently serves as the president of its Portland, Ore., division.

Dallas -- Zale Corp. said Tuesday that it has named Jamie Singleton as senior VP and general manager of Piercing Pagoda, effective March 27.

Singleton is charged with overall responsibility for the company’s kiosk business and will report to Theo Killion, CEO.

Singleton most recently served as senior VP business expansion at CPI Corp.

Plano, Texas -- As part of its strategic transformation program, J.C. Penney Co. said Monday that it has made several new hires and promotions at the executive level.

To lead merchandise strategy, Liz Sweney has been promoted to chief merchant and will lead the reinvention of the retailer’s apparel and home portfolio. Sweney most recently served as executive VP and senior general merchandise manager of women's apparel, accessories, footwear, jewelry and juniors divisions, as well as Sephora inside J.C. Penney.

CINCINNATI — Sustainability is a core part of most retailers' strategies, but unless you have someone to lead the charge, those efforts can fall by the wayside. Kroger has taken steps to ensure its sustainable initiatives are met by hiring Suzanne Lindsay to fill the new role of director of sustainability. Lindsay will direct Kroger's internal sustainability initiatives and will lead the company's sustainability leadership team.

Northridge, Calif. -- Chicago-based General Growth Properties announced that Brooke Whitebread has been named general manager of its Northridge Fashion Center property, located in Northridge, Calif.

Whitebread will oversee coordination and implementation of strategic advertising, public relations, budgeting, retailer relations and special events.

Whitebread comes from a GGP-owned center, Fashion Place in Salt Lake City, Utah where she developed and executed strategic marketing plans. 
 

PHILADELPHIA — Urban Outfitters saw profit for the fourth quarter fall to $39.3 million, from $75.2 million a year earlier. Sales rose 9% to $730.6 million, missing Wall Street’s expected $740 million in revenue.

The operator of Anthropologie, Free People and Urban Outfitters stores said heavy discounting over the holidays took a big toll on margins; in fact, margins have declined for at least five quarters as the retailer has made major markdowns to clear out slow-moving merchandise.

Cincinnati -- Kroger announced Tuesday that it has named Suzanne Lindsay as its director of sustainability.

In the newly created position, Lindsay — who previously created and led sustainability initiatives at PetSmart — will lead Kroger's internal sustainability initiatives and will lead the company's sustainability leadership team.