Accessories

Ascena Retail Group named a new executive to lead its recently acquired Ann Inc. division.

Lauren Hobart has been elevated to the role of executive vice president at Dick’s Sporting Goods and given responsibility for a potential new growth vehicle.

Hobart was named executive vice president, chief marketing officer and general manager of Dick’s new women’s specialty fitness stores branded as Chelsea Collective. Only two store are in operation currently, in McLean, Va. and Pittsburgh, but greater growth could be in store now the Dick’s has given a senior executive oversight of the concept.

It’s official: Downtown Disney (at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida) is now Disney Springs. The change is part of a comprehensive makeover of the open-air center that includes a lineup of new retailers and restaurants.

A strong roster of rock icons is coming to Lucky Brand stores and wholesale customers thanks to a licensing deal with Epic Rights.

Lucky Brand will create a new line of tops and headwear that feature artists represented by Epic Rights including KISS, Journey, Def Leppard, Billy Idol, The Doobie Brothers, Jefferson Airplane and CBGB.  The apparel will be sold exclusively at Lucky Brand retail and wholesale locations nationwide and online beginning in spring 2016.

Ross Stores Inc. is continuing an aggressive growth strategy for both its Ross Dress for Less and DD’s Discount banners. The new store openings are part of the retailer’s 2015 expansion program, totaling approximately 90 new locations during the year.

Ross Dress for Less will open four new stores on Oct. 10. These include two new stores in the Chicago area: a 25,000-sq.-ft. store in Palatine located in the Deer Grove Centre, and a 24,000-sq.-ft. Joliet store is located in Joliet Commons.

Cincinnati -- Steiner + Associates and Bucksbaum Retail Properties released the names of 24 additional retailers to join super-regional, mixed-use Liberty Center in Cincinnati, which is scheduled for a grand opening on Oct. 22.

The 64 acre, 1.2 million sq. ft. Liberty Center is located at the junction of the Liberty Way Interchange at I-75 and SR 129 in Cincinnati. The project includes more than 800,000 sq. ft. of retail, restaurants and entertainment, 75,000 sq. ft. of office space, 240 luxury apartments and the 130-key hotel.

Macy’s Inc. relatively new to the outlet sector but it’s making up for lost time.

On the heels of the debut of its Macy’s Backstage off-price format and the news that it would close up to 40 underperforming namesake stores, the retailer announced it will open two Bloomingdale’s Outlet stores in November, at The Shops at Liberty Place in Philadelphia, and at Westfield Mission Valley in San Diego.

An innovative cause marketing initiative involving Nordstrom’s Treasure&Bond brand is being expanded to more merchandise categories, and non-profit beneficiaries couldn’t be happier.

Ross Dress for Less is expanding its store base in Colorado. The specialty apparel retailer will open a new store in Fort Collins, Colorado on Oct. 10.

The 25,000-sq.-ft. relocation is in the newly renovated Renaissance on the Front Range development (previously Foothills Mall). The opening is part of the retailer’s 2015 expansion program, totaling approximately 70 new locations during the year.

Gymboree increased same store sales and profit in the second quarter, but the kids' retailer still plans to close dozens of stores and sell a distribution center.