Strategy

Houston -- Francesca's Holdings Corp. fired its CFO Gene Morphis after an internal investigation found that he had “improperly” communicated company information through social media. The company said it began an investigation after discovering his activity on May 11.

As part of Chain Store Age’s lead-up coverage to RECon 2012, to be held May 20-23 in Las Vegas, we talked with Forest City’s Joseph Boehm about what his expectations are for the big real estate show. Visit Forest City’s booth at RECon, Central Hall, C10 Union Street.

What are your expectations for RECon 2012 in terms of activity, attitude, priorities?

Plano, Texas -- Charlotte, N.C.-based Versona Accessories said it will open a new store on May 24, in Plano, Texas, at Preston Park Village.

The jewelry and accessories retailer is a Cato Corp., concept.
 

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Big Lots is recognizing Armed Forces Day by offering a special discount for armed forces personnel and their families. On Saturday, May 19, all active, reserve, and retired service members will receive a 10% discount on their qualifying in-store purchases by presenting military identification. The discount can also be applied to sale and clearance items.

Mamaroneck, N.Y. -- Charter Realty & Development said that it has arranged a 2,400-sq.-ft. lease for Smashburger in Mamaroneck, N.Y., within walking distance of the Metro-North train station.

Peter Levine of Charter Realty & Development represents Smashburger in Westchester, Fairfield, New Haven and Hartford Counties.
 

Hoboken, N.J. -- Metro Commercial Real Estate said that it has negotiated a 1,350-sq.-ft. lease in downtown Hoboken, N.J., for frozen yogurt purveyor Red Mango.

The urban storefront, located in a former pizza space, is slated to open this summer.

Los Angeles -- Lorna Jane, the premier Australian activewear brand for women, will open its second U.S. location, in Marina del Rey, Calif., this month. 

The company’s other U.S. location opened in March 2012, in Malibu, Calif. A third flagship store is scheduled to open in June in Santa Monica, and an online retail store will launch later this year.

New York -- Dallas-based SRS Real Estate Partners said it has negotiated a 21,191-sq.-ft. lease for The Tile Shop in Scarsdale, N.Y., in affluent Westchester County.

The new store, slated to open this summer, is the retailer’s first in the area.