Accessories

Menomonee Falls, Wis. -- Kohl's Corp. said Thursday it is doubling the size of its design office in New York City, as well as adding its first design studio on the West Coast, in Santa Monica, Calif.

The move, said the company, represents a commitment to its exclusive brands.

"The investment reinforces our commitment to offering world-class brands at compelling value to our customers," said Kevin Mansell, Kohl's chairman, president and CEO, in a statement.

Columbus, Ohio -- DSW Inc. said Tuesday it will open between 35 and 40 stores in 2012, up from an initial plan of 15 to 20 new stores this year.

The footwear and accessories retailer also raised its annual earnings guidance.

“The expansion of our footprint into new and existing markets is a key growth initiative for us,” said Mike MacDonald, president and CEO, DSW Inc.

The majority of the new stores are slated to open in the second half of 2012, according to the company.

CHICAGO — Claire's Stores has announced that Eugene Kahn , the company's CEO, has resigned. The company said its board of directors will conduct a search for a new CEO and will consider both internal and external candidates for this position. In the meantime, James Conroy , president of Claire's Stores, and Jay Friedman , president of Claire's North American Division, will form an interim office of the CEO, reporting to the board of directors. All of these management changes are effective immediately.

Chicago -- Claire’s Stores announced that Eugene S. Kahn has resigned. Kahn has served in the position since the company went private in 2007 in a $3.1 billion takeover by private-equity firm Apollo Management LP.

While the board will conduct a search for internal and external candidates, Claire's Stores President James G. Conroy and Jay Friedman, president of Claire's North American Division, will immediately form an interim office of the CEO.

Chicago -- General Growth Properties announced the addition of Von Maur department store as an anchor to Perimeter Mall, Atlanta, which has sales of more than $550 per square foot.

The department store is projected to open in fall 2012. Von Maur will replace the soon to be vacant Bloomingdale's location. Von Maur joins a retailer line-up that also includes Apple, Nordstrom, Michael Kors, Sur La Table, and Forever 21 among many others. Perimeter Mall is a 1.6 million-sq.-ft. two-level center north of downtown Atlanta.

Cherry Hill, N.J. -- Philadelphia-based Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust said that fashion brand Bijoux Terner has opened a new store at Cherry Hill Mall, located in Cherry Hill, N.J.

The 767-sq.-ft. value-priced accessories store is an expansion of an in-store presence at Italian Treasures, located at PREIT’s Voorhees Town Center property, in Voorhees, N.J.
 

PITTSBURGH — With the opening of stores in the new international markets of Morocco, Jordan and Egypt, as well as expansion plans in Saudi Arabia and Lebanon, American Eagle Outfitters is establishing quite a presence in the Middle East.

Pittsburgh -- American Eagle Outfitters announced Wednesday that it has opened stores in three new international markets — Morocco, Jordan and Egypt.

The company said it also opened its third store in Saudi Arabia, and has plans for a second store in Lebanon in early 2012. The retailer currently operates in Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE through its franchise partner, M.H. Alshaya.

Short Hills, N.J. -- The Mall at Short Hills, located in Short Hills, N.J., announced that Carlo Pazolini and Ermenegildo Zegna have joined the mall’s tenant roster. 

Luxury menswear retailer Ermenegildo Zegna opened on the upper level near Neiman Marcus. 

Carlo Pazolini has located on the lower level near Macy’s, and will present Carlo Pazolini, Carlo Pazolini Couture and Adami collections.

Bethesda, Md. -- Streetsense announced it is bringing a new Japanese sushi restaurant, Passion Fin, to The Shops at Sumner Place, in Bethesda, Md. The 2,959-sq.-ft. restaurant is scheduled to open in early 2012.

The Shops at Sumner Place is a Safeway-anchored retail center adjacent to the 28-acre Sumner Village condominium community. Other stores within the center include CVS Pharmacy, Starbucks, Bethesda Market, Praline French Bakery and Restaurant, Chico’s, a fitness center, and a variety of other stores and services.