Strategy

Chicago – Japanese fast-casual dining chain Jinya Ramen Bar, is using tenant representation from JLL to expand its U.S. brand. Jinya expects to add an additional nine U.S. franchise locations in key cities.

Currently, there are 14 locations throughout Japan, the U.S., Canada and Indonesia, all of which operate under Jinya brands. Senior VP Greg Ferrante and associate Arris Noble are leading the JLL team on this project.

Houston – Francesca’s Holdings Corp. is looking for someone to run its merchandising operation. Sei Jin Alt, chief merchandising officer of Francesca’s, will be resigning from the company to spend more time with her family and pursue other interests.

Francesca’s has initiated a search for a new chief merchandising officer. To facilitate a smooth transition, Alt will remain in her current role until Nov. 20, 2015.
 

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. has formed a new brand leadership team to help drive the struggling company forward.  

New Albany, Ohio - Abercrombie & Fitch Co. has named a new brand leadership team the retailer hopes will collectively help drive the Abercrombie brand forward.  

The new brand leadership team includes the following executives:

• Stacie Beaver, general manager for Abercrombie Womens. Having held a variety of senior positions at Abercrombie for more than 15 years, Beaver most recently led the Bottoms business for men and women across Hollister and Abercrobmie.
 

The world's largest home improvement chain is benefiting from Americans spending more on their homes than on their wardrobes, as Home Depot reported record sales and earnings in the second quarter.

Dallas – Encore Retail, LLC, a subsidiary of Encore Enterprises, Inc., has acquired land to develop a 16+ acre high-density Class A mixed-use development in the affluent Town of Bedford, New Hampshire. The development is planned to be over 200,000 sq. ft. and will consist of fashion, recreation, fitness, dining and office space located in New Hampshire's retail and business hub.

The property is positioned along South River Road at the intersection of Route 101 and Everett Turnpike

Toano, Va. – Shuffling in the executive ranks continues at embattled Lumber Liquidators Holdings Inc., in the wake of accusations the retailer sold Chinese hardwood laminate products that had illegal levels of formaldehyde. Lumber Liquidators has hired Jill Witter as chief compliance and legal officer.  

Cincinnati - The Kroger Co.is establishing two new supermarket divisions in Texas -- a Dallas division and a Houston division. Previously, both markets were served as part of Kroger's Southwest division.