Casual

Secaucus, N.J. -- The Children's Place Retail Stores announced the appointment of Eric Bauer as COO. He will be responsible for supply chain, planning and allocation, store operations, finance, information technology and real estate.

Bauer most recently he spent eight years with The Gap, culminating in his appointment as executive VP brand operations COO, for Gap North America where he was responsible for finance, store operations, real estate, distribution, logistics, information technology and their Canadian operations.

YORK, Pa. — The Bon-Ton Stores and menswear designer John Bartlett unveiled on April 27 the inaugural collection from the partnership announced last fall. The collections will be available in all Bon-Ton stores in August. 

Boston -- Clothing and accessories retailer Metro Park has filed for bankruptcy and is closing all 69 stores nationwide.

The store closings and liquidations begin on May 6. Gordon Bros. Group and Hilco Merchant Resources are running the going-out-of business sales for the retailer.

Based in Los Angeles, Metro Park was founded in 2000. Specializing in upscale trendy fashions, Metro Park has been feeling the heat of increased competition from such fast-fashion retailers as H&M.
 

SAN FRANCISCO -- Gap Inc. announced that Patrick Robinson, EVP Gap global design for adult and body, is leaving the company, effective immediately.

“After spending the last three months in New York with the Creative team, I have made the decision to make a change within our Gap Adult design team,” said Pam Wallack, head of the Gap global creative center in New York.

Newington, N.H. -- Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group said it will assume leasing, management and marketing duties of the Fox Run Mall, located in Newington, N.H., effective May 15.

The enclosed regional shopping center, built in February 1983, is anchored by Macy’s, J.C. Penney and Sears. Other tenants include Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, Express, Loft, Limited, Men’s Wearhouse, American Eagle Outfitters and Victoria’s Secret.

The center totals 604,000 sq. ft. and is situated on nearly 70 acres.

San Francisco -- Levi's announced that it has named Walker MacWilliam as its new global head of men's design. As VP design for the Levi's brand, MacWilliam will be responsible for the design and development of all Levi's men's product categories globally.

MacWilliam joins Levi Strauss & Co. from Coach where his responsibilities included the conceptualization, design and development for all categories of men's and women's including wearables, bags and accessories.

Menomonee Falls, Wis. -- Kohl’s Corp. has added another exclusive label to its lineup with Rock & Republic Apparel. The company signed a long-term licensing agreement with R&R Apparel Co. LLC and its parent company, VF Corp.

Rock & Republic will launch in men’s and women’s apparel and footwear in spring 2012. It may expand into children’s accessories and home goods over time. Nearly half of Kohl’s sales in 2010 came from exclusive brands.

Plano, Texas -- The Foundry Big & Tall Supply Co., a new specialty retail concept for big and tall men from J.C. Penney, on Thursday made its retail debut in the Dallas area. Approximately 10 stores are expected to open in the Dallas and Kansas City, Mo., markets by the end of May. The company plans to expand the concept nationwide to 100 stores by 2013, reaching a total of 300 stores over the next five years.