Marketing

The International Council of Shopping Centers is among the groups endorsing proposed legislation that seeks to limit what it called an “unintended consequence” of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Abercrombie & Fitch continues its efforts to polish its brand image.

The retailer announced that Jeanetta Darno has joined the company as VP of diversity and inclusion in a role that will include “enhancing the existing global diversity and inclusion best practices throughout the organization.”

Dunkin’ Donuts announced new locations as it works towards its goal of opening 410 to 440 net new restaurants in 2015.

The chain announced multi-unit store development agreements totaling 24 new restaurants over the next several years in Minnesota with two franchise groups, Kod Kod Enterprises, LLC, and existing franchise group, VANTive Group.

Williams-Sonoma has entered into an agreement with Mexico’s leading department store retailer to open stores in that country.

Williams-Sonoma said it will open 13 stores across its various brands — Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, PBteen and West Elm — In Mexico City, by the end of 2015. The stores are opening through a franchise partnership with Mexican department store retailer Liverpool.

Kansas City, Mo. -- Crown Center Redevelopment Corporation headquarter in Kansas City, Missouri, has named Stacey Paine as its new president.

Paine will replace Bill Lucas who is retiring at year-end after serving 20 years as the president of Crown Center, an 85-acre mixed-use community, privately financed by Hallmark Cards, Inc., that combines 2.2 million sq. ft. of office space, retail, hotels, residential and entertainment attractions within its boundaries.

Two of the nation’s leading planning and design firms have officially joined forces.

Callison and RTKL have come together as CallisonRTKL. Both companies were previously acquired by the Netherlands-based Arcadis, a leading global design and consultancy.

From its artisan-looking shops and grocery-styled product displays to its ethical sourcing and activist ethos, Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics has always marched to the beat of a different drummer.
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Most retailers recognize the importance of combining the best of digital technologies and physical stores to profitably create a seamless and consistent customer experience across channels. There’s a good reason for this. Their most valuable customers are engaging with them across all channels: store, mobile, social and online. Some retailers find that these omnichannel customers spend two times to five times more than customers who buy in only one channel.

Southaven, Miss. -- Tanger Factory Outlet Centers and Poag Shopping Centers will celebrate the Grand Opening of Tanger Outlets Southaven located in Southaven, Mississippi, on Nov. 20.

The Center will feature over 70 brand name and designer outlet retailers including: Ann Taylor, Gap factory outlet, White House | Black Market, Banana Republic, Columbia Sportswear Company, J.Crew, Loft, Under Armour, Skechers, Pandora, Carter's, Tommy Hilfiger and more.

Chicago -- Mid-America Real Estate Corporation announced it will exclusively represent Loyola University Chicago on their entire retail portfolio on the Lake Shore and Water Tower campuses in Chicago, as well as the retail at the base of a proposed Hampton Inn hotel.

Chicago-based Lakeside Management, NFP manages Loyola’s retail assets totaling nearly 110,000 sq. ft. and will be working closely with Mid-America.