Casual

HOUSTON  -- The Men's Wearhouse announced that Grace Nichols has been elected to the company's board of directors, effective January 30, increasing the number of directors to nine.

Houston -- The Men's Wearhouse said Friday it has elected former Victoria's Secret Stores CEO Grace Nichols to its board of directors.

The appointment is effective Jan. 30.

Nichols will be the ninth member of the company's board. She worked at Limited Brands for 20 years and was CEO of Victoria's Secret Stores from 1992 to 2007. Nichols is also on the boards of Pacific Sunwear of California and of New York & Co.

New York City -- New York & Co. announced on Wednesday the appointment of David Witkewicz to executive VP design, effective this month.

Witkewicz will report to Greg Scott, president, and will serve on the company’s executive committee.

Witkewicz was previously VP design for Coach.

New York City -- Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th announced that it plans to open a store at the Tuscany Place Designer Outlets, a new, upscale pedestrian-friendly lifestyle outlet development in Madison, Miss.

The center and the Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th store are expected to open in the spring of 2012.

"We look forward to opening our first Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th store in Mississippi where the temperate climate allows for year round shopping," noted Robert Wallstrom, president of Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th.

New York City -- Robert K. Futterman & Associates said it has arranged a long-term, 10,700-sq.-ft. lease with Mulberry at 134 Spring St., between Greene and Wooster Streets in SoHo.

The store will serve as the British lifestyle brand’s flagship location in New York City and will be its third store in Manhattan. Scheduled to open in the summer, Mulberry will occupy 5,700 sq. ft. of ground-floor retail and 5,000 on the lower level and will sell ready-to-wear in addition to accessories.

Foothill Ranch, Calif. -- Specialty apparel retailer Wet Seal announced that it has entered into an employment contract with Susan McGalla to serve as its new CEO through Aug. 8, 2014. McGalla will assume her position as CEO on Jan. 18. Ed Thomas will remain as interim CEO until Jan. 18, and thereafter will remain employed by the company until Feb. 8, to assist with transition.

Vernon Hills, Ill. -- Beachwood, Ohio-based Chase Properties announced that Hawthorn Hills Square in Vernon Hills, Ill., is being redeveloped to coincide with the opening of Dick's Sporting Goods (December 2010) and PetSmart and Five Below that are expected to open in the spring. Additionally, Noodles will be opening a new freestanding restaurant at the center in the fall.

New York City -- Teen specialty retailer Anchor Blue has closed its headquarters and is in the process of winding down operations at its 120 stores, Women’s Wear Daily reported.

Based in Corona, Calif., Anchor Blue is owned by private equity firm Sun Capital partners.

New York City -- Reports circulated Wednesday that several potential suitors, including Sears Holdings and Urban Outfitters, have been studying J. Crew’s books. Urban Outfitters is seriously weighing a counterbid for the high-flying preppy retailer, according to a report in The New York Times. At least two other private-equity firms are also receiving confidential data on the New York-based retailer, Bloomberg reported.

Atlanta -- Oxford Industries has acquired Sugartown Worldwide, the owner of the upscale women's lifestyle brand Lilly Pulitzer, which sells to better specialty and department stores as well as through its stores and other direct to consumer channels.