Casual

Yonkers, N.Y. -- Forest City Ratner Companies (FCRC), the developer and owner of the Westchester’s Ridge Hill shopping center, has announced some new tenants that will open at the regional center. They include 5 Napkin, a family-friendly bar and grill; Wine Zetta, a regional wine store; and Hand and Stone, a spa franchise.

Los Angeles – American Apparel has relocated its Aix-en-Provence store in France. Set in a former private hotel, the new location features an open, single floor layout and flower garden.

The shop maintains much of the building's early architecture including stone walls, a fireplace (transformed into a shoe display) and double front doors depicting the city's emblem of two lion faces. With history dating back to the 16th century, it marks the company's oldest interior in Europe.    

Gap posted positive comps in July for the four-week period ended August 2, buoyed by sales at Banana Republic; but preliminary second-quarter results show that comparable store sales were flat compared to the same period last year.

Net sales in July increased 5% to $1.17 billion compared with net sales of $1.12 billion for the four-week period ended August 3. For the second quarter, Gap Inc.’s net sales increased 3% to $3.98 billion compared with $3.87 billion for the second quarter last year.

New York – Ann Inc. expects to report a 2.3% decline in consolidated same-store sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2014. Total company net sales are now expected to be $648 million.

GNC has appointed senior retail industry executive Michael G. Archbold as CEO and member of the board, effective immediately. Archbold replaces chairman, president and CEO Joseph Fortunato, who is leaving the company and has stepped down from the board.

Lead independent director Michael Hines has been elected non-executive chairman.

Foothill Ranch, Calif. - Christine Lee has been appointed executive VP and chief merchandising officer, starting on Sept. 3. Lee served as senior VP/general merchandise manager, women’s apparel, accessories and design at Pacific Sunwear of California Inc since 2010.

Prior to Pacific Sunwear, Lee spent 18 years with Urban Outfitters Inc. Brieane Breuer, who joined PacSun in 2007 and is the company's current VP of women's design, will replace Lee on an interim basis.

Christopher & Banks has promoted Peter G. Michielutti to EVP, COO and CFO, just a day after the company named former National Stores executive Lynn C. Derry as SVP and general merchandise manager.

The move is part of the company’s growth strategy.

Michielutti will be responsible for the company’s finance, accounting, internal audit, investor relations, real estate, tax, risk management, information technology and supply chain and logistics functions. He joined the company in April 2012 as SVP and CFO.

Regional department store operator Belk wasted no time filling its president and head merchant position after Kathryn Bufano vacated those positions to become CEO of The Bon-Ton Stores.

Within minutes of Bon-Ton’s announcement that it had hired Bufano, Belk named David Zant president and chief merchandising officer, effective August 11. Zant has served as EVP and general merchandise manager of men’s, home and kids since 2008 and in his new role will report to Tim Belk, chairman and CEO of the 299-unit chain.

The Wet Seal named Christine Lee EVP and chief merchandising officer, as the retailer of young women’s apparel looks to regain its appeal with core shoppers and reverse several quarters’ worth of double-digit same-store sales declines.

Lee will join Wet Seal on September 3 and in her new role report to company CEO John Goodman. Lee previously served as SVP and general merchandise manager at Pacific Sunwear since 2010. Prior to Pac-Sun, she spent 18 years with Urban Outfitters where she began her career as a sales associate.

Seattle – Nordstrom has entered into an agreement to acquire Trunk Club, a personalized clothing service for men. Trunk Club's 250 personal stylists build one-to-one relationships with their members to understand their lifestyles and styling preferences before hand-selecting merchandise that is then shipped to the customer.

Customers keep what they like and return the rest for free. There is no membership fee, no obligations and no commitments.