American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.

From online social sharing to location-based targeting to new payment technologies, the retail experience is being upended and disrupted in ways big and small. Ten companies are leading the charge.

Chad Kessler was named chief merchandising and design officer at American Eagle Outfitters after the company reported a big decline in third-quarter profits and said it expects fourth quarter same-store sales to decline.

By Ike Boruchow, analyst, Sterne Agee, New York

This year, Black Friday gave us a taste of what to expect for the remainder of the holiday selling season: intense competition, deep discounts, and choppy mall traffic. Earlier store openings drove heavy traffic, which dissipated and then bounced through the day.

Supply chain and reverse logistics provider Genco has named Laurie Barkman as the new president and CEO of Genco Marketplace, Genco's wholly owned liquidation subsidiary.

Barkman has served as Genco Marketplace's chief operating officer since July 2013. In her new role, Barkman will be responsible for driving expansion into new liquidation markets and developing a world-class team.

Greensboro, N.C. — Tanger Outlets National Harbor will celebrate its grand opening on Nov. 22. The outlet store line up includes: White House | Black Market, Calvin Klein, Gap, Halston Heritage, American Eagle Outfitters, Tommy Hilfiger, Banana Republic, Theory, Elie Tahari, Brooks Brothers, Aeropostale, Coach, Hugo Boss, J. Crew, Peter Millar, Diane von Furstenberg, Le Creuset and more.

The 340,000-sq. ft. center is located just minutes from the U.S. Capital.

Shoppers at J.C. Penney stores this holiday season will discover a more rewarding experience following the retailer’s decision to team up with leading retail app Shopkick.

J.C. Penney shoppers will be able to Shopkick’s currency known as "kicks” along with special offers from the retailer when visiting any of its nearly 1,100 stores

Denton, Texas — Golden Triangle Mall has announced the addition of Charlotte Russe to a list of national and regional tenants that have recently committed to or renewed leases at the renovated mall. The specialty fashion retailer will occupy 4,475 sq. ft. and will open before the holiday shopping season.

In addition to Charlotte Russe, the list of new retailers includes Buckle, Body Central, Pro Image Sports and food court eateries Italia Express, Tobu Oriental Eatery and Smoothie Paradise.

Lands' End has named Michele Donnan-Martin as the company’s EVP and chief merchandising design officer. Donnan-Martin will report directly to CEO and president Edgar Huber.

She will be charged with leading all aspects of merchandising and design to ensure alignment of product development, price point strategies and design aesthetic to embrace and further build upon the Lands' End's brand. 

Mashnatucket, Conn. -- Foxwoods Resort Casino is reportedly building a 300,000-sq.-ft. retail center that will house outlet shops. According to the Associated Press, Foxwoods is partnering with Tanger Factory Outlet Centers Inc. to create a Tanger Outlets complex that will feature more than 80 retailers, including American Eagle Outfitters, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Calvin Klein and Nike.

Hordes of spend-happy young Mexican shoppers are successfully attracting specialty apparel retailers from the U.S. and Europe – and, as mentioned in a recent report by Wall Street Journal, Walmart is feeling the pain.