Events

New York -- A holiday preview report released Tuesday by the International Council of Shopping Centers said that sales are forecasted to rise 3% during the traditional November-December 2012 holiday period.

Additionally, ICSC said it anticipates that the other two measures of U.S. industry holiday sales – shopping-center sales and GAFO-store sales – will increase slightly as well.  

By Jeannie Lewis, [email protected], @dot jeannie

WASHINGTON — The air is getting colder and retailers are already gearing up for the Christmas season, but before they do that, they will have to get through Halloween.

New York -- Ann Inc. announced Tuesday at the Clinton Global Initiative that it will expand on its Vital Voices initiative with a program it is calling “Commitment to Action.”

The parent company of Ann Taylor and Loft piloted its ANNpower Vital Voices Initiative in 2011 as a groundbreaking partnership with international NGO, Vital Voices Global Partnership. The effort aims to train and empower young women in the U.S. to create positive social change in their local communities and become the next generation of leaders.

TORONTO — Walmart Canada is leading the search for the next great business idea through its second annual Green Student Challenge.

The retailer is looking for teams of post-secondary students from across the country to convince some of Canada's most successful business leaders that they have the most compelling breakthrough idea to change business as we know it. A total of $100,000 in cash will be awarded including $25,000 to the winners and $25,000 to the winners' school.

Indianapolis -- Simon Property Group said that a new lineup of tenants has committed to opening at its St. Louis Premium Outlets property in Chesterfield, Mo., bringing the center to 75% pre-leased.

BCBGMAXAZRIA, Charlotte Russe, Jos. A. Bank, Motherhood Maternity, Max Studio and Sarar will open new stores at the value destination. Sportswear and accessories brands to be featured at the property will include Bass, Gold Toe, Jockey, Rue21, Saucony, Sperry and Vera Bradley. Others include Kitchen Collection, Samsonite, Fragrance Outlet and Ultra Diamonds.

STERLING, Ill. — Personal care products manufacturer Wahl and Petfinder.com have teamed up in honor of National Dog Adoption Month with a unique pet photo contest to support America's shelters.

According to Petfinder.com Foundation, more than eight million animals are placed in shelters annually, but only half of them ever get adopted. The number of dogs adopted is lowest in the months of October, November and December.

Portsmouth, N.H. -- Boston-based The Wilder Cos. said that Guitar Center will open a 7,358-sq.-ft. store at Durgin Square in Portsmouth, N.H. The new store will host a grand opening on Sept. 27.

Durgin Square is tenanted by TJ Maxx, HomeGoods and Shaw’s.

Wilder Cos. is the management company for the shopping center.