Bloomingdale's

Cincinnati -- Macy’s said it plans to hire approximately 78,000 seasonal associates for its Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s stores, call centers, distribution centers and online fulfillment centers nationwide for the 2011 holiday season. The total is up about 4% from the approximately 75,000 seasonal associates the chain hired last year.

“We expect additional hiring this year given the continued sales growth in our business – both in-store and online,” said Terry J. Lundgren, Macy’s, chairman, president and CEO.

Short Hills, N.J. -- The Mall at Short Hills, in Short Hills, N.J., is now home to new retailers Omega and Pandora, which opened recently in the regional shopping center. Omega opened a flagship store near Nordstrom on the upper level, and jeweler Pandora opened on the lower level near Macy’s.

CINCINNATI — Macy's Inc. has announced the launch of a series of technology innovations in its Macy's and Bloomingdale's stores and websites designed to improve shopper experience.

Cincinnati -- Macy’s said Tuesday it is piloting or launching a series of tech innovations designed to engage customers and drive sales.

Among the announced programs are free WiFi service in Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s stores to enable customer use of smartphone apps and in-store tablet shopping. The service, accessible by the end of October, will be activated in 230 Macy’s and nine Bloomingdale’s stores, as well as in the junior’s and young men’s departments of another 79 Macy’s stores.

SAN FRANCISCO — Docker's announced that is partnering with Alexander Wang, who was named GQ's Best New Menswear Designer in America, and a diverse group of five other influential American menswear designers to unveil a limited-edition collection. Each designer will reinterpret the khaki pant in a modern way, the company reported.

The Falls, one of Florida’s largest open-air, retail and entertainment destinations featuring Bloomingdale's and Macy's, along with more than 95 stores and restaurants, is rolling out a new retail roster that will include several new stores and dining venues.

The retail surge at The Falls, opening in different phases as of fall 2011, will coincide with numerous exterior upgrades including new entrances and signage, along with interior enhancements featuring a contemporary and chic color palette and new soft seating areas.

Boca Raton, Fla. -- Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group said that Tommy Bahama will open a new store at Town Center at Boca Raton, located in Boca Raton, Fla.

The new 3,400-sq.-ft. store is slated to open Sept. 1. The grand opening is scheduled for Sept. 10.

America is on sale for foreign tourists thanks to the weak U.S. dollar, and it has been a boon for retailers who operate stores in key destinations. Nowhere was this phenomenon more evident than last week when Tiffany & Co. reported spectacular second quarter results that were aided by a 41% sales increase at its flagship New York store. That location is frequented by tourists, and so is the Saks flagship New York location, which reported a second quarter comp increase in the neighborhood of 15%.

Target has a lot of things going right for it right now with some decent sales momentum and a mix of current and long term initiatives to drive growth. Even so, Target is in the same boat as other retailers who are posting solid profits, but doing so in an uncertain economic climate where fragile consumer confidence makes it hard to get to aggressive when it comes to forecasting future performance.

NEW YORK — Macy’s chairman, president and CEO is walking on air these days as the nation’s leading department store chain continues to deliver impressive results amid a recessionary economy that has other operators floundering for sales.