LensCrafters

Slidell, La. -- Stirling Properties and CBL & Associates Properties announced new tenants and updates to Phase II of Fremaux Town Center in Slidell, Louisiana.

Newly signed tenants include: Books-A-Million, moving from its current location at Northshore Square Mall, will occupy 7,500 sq. ft. and is expected to open on March 3; Five Below will occupy a 8,024 sq. ft. space and is expected to open April 6; Allure Nail Spa, and LensCrafters are opening spring of 2016.

Macy’s may be cutting back on the number of department stores in its portfolio, but the company is moving ahead with brick-and-mortar growth in other areas.

Over the next two years, Macy’s plans to open about 50 Macy’s Backstage stores in off-mall locations. The roll out builds on the launch of the off-price format this past September.

Macy’s blamed warm weather, weak foot traffic and excessive inventory for the company's worse-than-expected third quarter results and said it is studying real estate options for some of its most iconic stores.

New York -- Barnes & Noble claims the top position in a list of the most powerful “Back-to-School” retail brands, according to Tenet Partners’ Top 20 ranking.  

Rounding out the top five: Walmart, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Amazon and Old Navy.

New York -- Italian eyewear maker Luxottica Group SpA has entered into an agreement to design, develop and distribute glasses based on Google's Internet-connected Glass eyewear.

Luxottica said that its two major brands, Ray-Ban and Oakley, would be part of the deal. No financial terms were discussed.

The Avenue has used Partners in Education programs to foster community relations since 1998. These programs provide marketing opportunities for each of the five Avenue properties in the Southeast.

Taking a cue from the TLC television show “What Not to Wear,” for example, The Avenue worked with high school fashion marketing students to award $1,000 makeover packages including wardrobe, hair, makeup and other prizes. More than 40 teachers applied for the makeover, which was sponsored by Van Michael Salon, LensCrafters, Chico’s, Talbots and Aerosoles.

Sunglass Hut, LensCrafters optimize endless aisle with caching solution

Providing in-store customers with enhanced online “endless aisle” access to products can boost sales and customer service. But if the wait for endless aisle connectivity takes too long, its effectiveness is impacted.

Skokie, Ill. -- Westfield Old Orchard, an outdoor destination located in Skokie (Chicago), Ill., announced that The Body Shop will rejoin the center in spring 2011 with a 765-sq.-ft. store near Lord & Taylor. Galt Toys will open a 3,400-sq.-ft. store, also slated for a spring 2011 opening, as is Vera Bradley -- with a 1,650-sq.-ft. boutique.

New York City -- Luxottica Group SpA said Monday its fourth-quarter net profit rose 88%. The Milan, Italy-based parent of the Sunglass Hut and Lens Crafters chains predicted a strong 2011 as consumers return to high-end brands.

The company said its net profit increased to €55.1 million ($75.8 million) in the final three months of 2010.

Luxottica will continue to expand its Sunglass Hut division in 2011, and expects to add 270 Sunglass Hut locations globally.