Nike, Inc.

While there still is not enough new shopping center construction to warrant a “Fastest-Growing Developers” ranking system — as Chain Store Age provided for 20 consecutive years, from 1989 to 2008 — progress continues to be made.

PLANO, Texas — JCPenney is looking to make its department store a destination for more than just shopping, and has named a new executive to help lead the charge. Assuming the role of EVP, The Square is Laurie Beja Miller, who will oversee the company's new center core strategy that will serve as a gathering place with ongoing attractions and services, JCPenney announced. Miller will join JCPenney on April 1, and report to CEO Ron Johnson. 

Plano, Texas — J.C. Penney Co. has named Laurie Beja Miller as executive VP The Square, a position in which she will lead the company’s efforts to execute its new center core strategy. The appointment follows J.C. Penney’s previously plans to transform its stores by adding some 100 in-store branded shops and converting the center of its stores to a “Town Square” area that offer various services.

Los Angeles -- Guess Inc. has appointed Chet Kuchinad as chief people officer and Amber Tarshis as senior VP marketing.

Kuchinad joined Guess on Feb. 1. His experience also includes senior executive roles at Nike and Starbucks Coffee Co.

Tarshis joined the company on Feb. 13. She most recently served as chief marketing officer for The Hub TV Network, a joint venture between Discovery Communications and Hasbro.
 

SAN FRANCISCO — Gap Inc. has named Jill Stanton to the newly-created role as creative advisor for Old Navy and Liz Meltzer as SVP Gap international merchandising.

“Boosting our already-strong creative talent is a key focus in 2012,” said Glenn Murphy, chairman and CEO of Gap Inc. “On the heels of Tracy Gardner coming back to Gap, we are thrilled that Jill Stanton will bring her talent and proven business experience as creative advisor to Old Navy to help us deliver consistently great product.”

San Francisco -- Gap Inc. has named Jill Stanton to the newly-created role as creative advisor for Old Navy, and Liz Meltzer as senior VP of Gap International Merchandising.

Stanton will work with the Old Navy design and merchandising teams to provide a fresh perspective and insights to the brand. Her career spans more than 25 years in apparel retail, starting with global retailers Next and Marks and Spencer. She also has more than a decade of experience with Nike, ultimately serving as VP global apparel.

Vacated shells of circa-1985 outlet shopping centers still dot the nation’s highways, but that’s not the format version that is finding a foothold among consumers and retailers.

A new value-oriented center, anchored by top-tier designer names, has opened the eyes and pocketbooks of American shoppers. Mainstream amenities have created the expectation that, while the goods may be discounted, the experience most definitely isn’t.

LEXINGTON, Mass. — Collective Brands Performance and Lifestyle Group has announced the appointment of Rick Blackshaw as president of the Keds brand. Blackshaw has extensive footwear experience with brands including Converse, Timberland, and the former division of Reebok, Avia, and most recently served as VP and general manager for the Chuck Taylor All Star Division of Converse Inc. He will start in his new role Jan. 24 and succeeds Kristin Kohler Burrows who recently departed the position to pursue career opportunities closer to her home in New York.