Accessories

NEW YORK — The Jones Group Inc. has appointed Joseph Stafiniak to the newly created position of SVP merchandising of Nine West, effective immediately. In this role, Stafiniak will operate as the lead merchant for Nine West overseeing merchandising strategies and the execution of product to meet the expanding needs of the brand's global business. He will report to Kathy Nedorostek, group president of global footwear and accessories.

New York -- The Jones Group Inc. said Monday it has appointed Joseph Stafiniak to the newly created position of SVP merchandising of Nine West, effective immediately.

Stafiniak will operate as the lead merchant for Nine West, overseeing merchandising strategies and the execution of product to meet the expanding needs of the brand's global business.

Stafiniak comes to Jones Group from Coach, where he most recently served as SVP licensed categories.

LOS ANGELES — Consumers expect to spend slightly more on Valentine's Day merchandise this year than last year, according to a report by market research firm IBISWorld.

The report forecasts spending of $134.08 per person, compared with last year's $133.99. Total revenue for the holiday is expected to grow by 3.2%, to $20.8 billion, despite incomes and consumer sentiments remaining below what they were before the recession.

CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif. — Jim McGinty, CFO of teen retailer, Hot Topic, has resigned from the company, effective March 29, the company announced Monday. George Wehlitz, VP, Finance, will serve as the interim CFO.

“We are grateful for Jim’s committed service to the company over the past 12 years and wish him well in the next phase of his career,” said Lisa Harper, chairman and CEO of Hot Topic.

New York -- Winick Realty Group announced that a new high-end wine and spirits shop has signed a lease at 1287 First Avenue, between East 69th and East 70th Streets.

The building owners recently renovated the entire façade of the building and leased out all of the ground-floor retail space. The 1,932-sq.-ft. wine shop features marble and hardwood floors, and is slated to open spring 2013. Co-tenants include Starbucks, Papyrus and Val El Salon and Spa.

Urban Outfitters brings its urban style and eclectic stylings to the heart of suburbia,  opening a location in the upscale and shopper-friendly  town of Westfield, N.J. The three-story store spans over 12,000 sq. ft. and is located in a decades-old building that formerly housed a bank, but had been vacant for 25 years. The building was revamped, but the integrity of the original design remains intact.

NEW YORK — Lord & Taylor is teaming up with Lifetime's Project Runway for the show’s eleventh season, making it the show’s exclusive retail sponsor.

New York - Lord & Taylor is teaming up with Lifetime's popular "Project Runway" television show for the program’s eleventh season, making it the show’s exclusive retail sponsor.

As part of the sponsorship deal, the show will feature a custom-built “accessory wall” featuring an assortment of Lord & Taylor’s shoes, handbags and accessories, which contestants will use to complete their looks during each challenge.

Slidell, La. -- Chattanooga, Tenn.-based CBL & Associates Properties and Covington, La.-based Stirling Properties announced Wednesday the formation of a 65/35 joint venture to develop Fremaux Town Center in Slidell, La.  

New York -- Winick Realty Group said that women’s formal wear brand Social Apparel, with locations in four New York malls, has leased its first freestanding location at 255 West 34th Street, located between Seventh and Eighth Avenues in Manhattan’s Garment District.

The store includes 1,760 sq. ft. on the ground floor, 1,276 sq. ft. on the mezzanine and 1,540 sq. ft. in the basement.