Strategy

New York -- Kohl’s, Nordstrom and Target  ranked first in their categories in a new survey by Harris Interactive The 2012 Harris Poll EquiTrend (EQ) study surveyed Americans about brands across several retail segments, revealing which brands prompted them to open their hearts—and consequently—their pocketbooks.

Dallas -- Restaurant chain Seasons 52 said it has selected NorthPark Center for its first location in Dallas. The new Seasons 52 restaurant at NorthPark Center is expected to open this fall.

The restaurant will be located between Neiman Marcus and Dillard's, with entrances from both inside the mall and street side.

Thousand Oaks, Calif. -- NewMark Merrill Cos. announced the May 13 opening of the first Hooters Restaurant in Ventura County at Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks, Calif.

The new 5,700-sq.-ft. restaurant is located near Burlington Coat Factory and features seating for 230 guests. 

Hooters is the newest tenant to join Regency Theaters, Toys “R” Us, Old Navy, Marshall’s, Buca di Beppo, Panera Bread, Burlington Coat Factory and other national, regional and community tenants at Janss Marketplace. 

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.