Accessories

It’s hard to keep up with Manhattan’s fast-changing retail scene. But no one does it better than Faith Hope Consolo, chairman, retail leasing and sales division, Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate. Here are new and upcoming stores that Consolo, often referred to as the “Queen of Retail,” expects to be “fashionably” fabulous this year (with all comments by the Queen of Retail herself):

Nashville, Tenn. -- Genesco said Friday that its net income rose 19%, boosted by acquisitions and higher revenue from its stores.

Net income rose 19% to $30.9 million, from $25.9 million in the prior-year period. Revenue rose 17% to $560.5 million, from $479 million. Analysts expected revenue of $539.8 million.

Same-store sales were up 9%.

For the full year, net income rose 85% to $53.2 million. Revenue rose 14% to $1.79 billion, from $1.57 billion.

Omaha, Neb. -- New York City-based The Lightstone Group said Thursday that Guitar Center has signed a 10-year, 18,000-sq.-ft. lease at Oakview Plaza located in Omaha, Neb.

Built in 1999, Oakview Plaza is a power center that serves Omaha's westward expansion, and comprises three single-story retail buildings located on approximately 19.6 acres of land and containing approximately 177,303 rentable sq. ft. It is tenanted by Famous Footwear, Men's Warehouse, PetSmart, Panera, Dick's Sporting Goods and Babies "R” Us.

Boca Raton, Fla. -- Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group announced that Brazilian shoe and accessories retailer has opened its first U.S. store at the Town Center at Boca Raton, located in Boca Raton, Fla.

This opening marks Santa Lolla’s 105th location worldwide.

“We see Florida as an important part of our future expansion strategy and are very excited about the opening of our first U.S.-based boutique,” said Marcela Bussamra, marketing director for Santa Lolla.

Dallas -- Zale Corp. announced that Jeannie Barsam has been named senior VP merchandise planning and allocation. She was most recently senior VP planning, allocation and company planning for Charlotte Russe.

In other appointments, Zale named Toyin Ogun as senior VP human resources and customer service. Prior to that, he was senior VP human resources, L.L. Bean.

Geneva, Ill. -- Oakbrook Terrace, Ill.-based Mid-America Asset Management said that Five Guys Burgers and Fries recently signed a lease for 2,158 sq. ft. at Geneva Commons in Geneva, Ill., a western suburb of Chicago.

The new restaurant will open at the 437,650-sq.-ft. lifestyle center in the spring.

In other Geneva Commons news, the following retailers recently renewed their leases at the lifestyle center: Chicago Home Fitness, Francesca's Collections, Kay Jewelers, Learning Express and Stride Rite.
 

TOPEKA, Kan. -- Earlier today, Retailing Today reported that several apparel and footwear industry heavyweights were teaming up to promote best practices in sustainability, and now Payless has announced that it will support eco-model and Payless brand partner Summer Rayne Oakes who will wear the same little black dress throughout the month of March.

SEATTLE -- Disney Consumer Products has partnered with Nordstrom to launch a new line of children's apparel, accessories and footwear in honor of the 45th anniversary of the "it's a small world" attraction at Disneyland. 

NEW YORK -- Jill Granoff is stepping down as CEO of Kenneth Cole Productions. According to a company press release the decision was a mutual agreement between Granoff and the board of directors. Kenneth Cole, chairman and chief creative officer, will act as interim CEO. Paul Blum, who was with the company for 15 years and served as president from 2002 to 2006, has agreed to return to the company and assume the role of vice chairman.