Strategy

Shelton, Conn. -- TABS Group, a technology-enabled analytics firm, has announced the formation of a senior-level team dedicated to supporting internal and customer-related initiatives with Walmart.

TABS Group will tap into its new talent base to obtain a comprehensive understanding as to how the largest U.S. retail chain operates on a chain and local level. The insights gained will benefit Walmart and consumer products manufacturers and further contributes to the firm's mission to simplify and improve the way analytics is conducted within the industry.

Sears Canada is getting ready to introduce the first-ever Black Friday sale in Canada to accompany Canadian Thanksgiving in October.

"Our customers already participate in our Black Friday sale in November so we wanted to give them one that, in a similar style to the U.S., would accompany our own Thanksgiving Holiday," said Doug Campbell, president and CEO, Sears Canada. "With the variety of sales being offered in stores and online they can pick up new home essentials or even get a head start on their Holiday shopping."

Schurman Retail Group, owners of Papyrus North America, unveiled its newest concept, Niquea D., on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The store features women’s jewelry and accessories, clothing, scents, home décor, and paper and gift products.  

With a mix of antique furniture, one-of-a-kind chandeliers, and hand-painted rich blue damask walls, the 900-sq.-ft. space has the feel and look of a Parisian boutique. A second Manhattan location is scheduled to open later this fall, downtown on Hudson Street

Walgreens has fine-tuned its management structure, most notably elevating Jim Jensen to VP daily living implementation and space planning, where he will be looking at maximizing merchandising initiatives against space optimization in the stores.

Moe Alkemade will assume the role of general merchandise manager handling seasonal, sundries and consumables. Beth Stiller has been named group VP retail brands and global sourcing.

All appointments are effective Nov. 4.

Deerfield, Ill. -- Walgreens has restructured its senior leadership, elevating Jim Jensen to VP daily living implementation and space planning, and naming Moe Alkemade as general merchandise manager.

Beth Stiller has been named group VP retail brands and global sourcing.
 
All appointments are effective Nov. 4.

Westwood Village, Calif. — Urban Outfitters has signed a lease with Topa Management Co. for 16,556 sq. ft. in Westwood Village, Calif., more than doubling the size of its presence in the urban village. The McDevitt Co. represented both parties in the transaction.

The new store, Urban Outfitters third largest in California, has original exposed brick wall, ironwork and high ceilings and provides a brand appropriate space for the retailer.

The Halston brand is going digital with the launch of its flagship e-commerce site in more than 80 countries today, including the U.S. and Canada. The vertical e-commerce site will feature Halston Heritage apparel and accessories.

The brand is also expanding its physical presence, with plans to expand to more than 20 locations by yearend.

New York -- Charming Charlie has signed a lease for a 15,500-sq.-ft. store at 445 Fifth Avenue in the heart of midtown Manhattan. The fashion accessories retailer will open its first-ever Manhattan flagship store in early 2015.

Thor Equities owns and manages the building, which is located at the northeast corner of 39th street and Fifth Avenue, across from the New York Public Library. RKF and Strategic Retail Advisors represented Charming Charlie in the transaction. Thor Equities represented itself.