Footwear

Seattle -- REI will open a store in Fairbanks, Alaska, in the spring of 2014.

The 30,000-sq.-ft. store will house a bike shop, and ski and snowboard shop offering assembly and repair services, and host free in-store classes.

"Whether hiking, skiing or practicing yoga, Alaskans are some of the most active people in the country," said Kevin Golic, REI retail director for the Washington and Alaska district.

REI has a long history in Alaska, dating back to its store in Anchorage, opened in 1979.

Leading global workwear brand Dickies has entered into a new licensing agreement with SG Footwear, a division of SG Companies and leading manufacturer, marketer and distributor of children’s footwear in the U.S.

Products under the license will include infant, toddler, boys and girls casual footwear, including hikers, relaxed loafers and classic casuals.

New York -- Stuart Weitzman, the luxury footwear brand owned by The Jones Group Inc., has appointed Francois Kress to the newly created position of global president.

Kress, formerly president and chief operating officer of The Row (New York), will oversee all aspects of the Weitzman brand’s global retail and wholesale business and he will assume the role of strategic leader for new initiatives and brand extensions.

Houston — Simon Property Group has announced four new leases for The Galleria in Houston.

Rolex will open an 1,800-sq.-ft. store next summer in Galleria I. Taking 2,815 sq. ft. Tourbillon will open its first Houston store in Galleria II in the early summer of 2014. Tod’s will debut in Houston with a 2,000-sq.-ft. store opening in Galleria I in early summer 2015. Trina Turk will open a 1.400-sq.-ft. store in the fall of 2014 in Galleria I.

Nashville, Tenn. – Genesco’s net earnings fell 34% to $27.7 million, from $42.1 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2013 for Genesco. The company also reported a slight increase in net sales, to $666.3 million from $664.4 million, during the same period.

Houston -- Simon Property Group announced today that four new, high-end retailers, Rolex, Tod's, Trina Turk and Tourbillon, will be added to the retail mix at The Galleria shopping center in Houston. Gucci, Tory Burch, Zara, Sephora and Club Monaco will also execute lease renewals and expansions in 2014. In addition, Chanel has renewed its lease and will be renovating the boutique.

Details of 2014 activity at The Galleria in Houston include:

Genesco, the company behind Lids and Journeys, is the latest company to express concern about the holiday season and lower fourth-quarter expectations after producing a solid third-quarter performance.

Peoria, Ill. — Called The Levee District, the 86-acre new downtown going up in East Peoria, Ill., will include 500,000 sq. ft. of retail and restaurant space as well as office, hotel and civic components.

Four new retailers recently inked leases for space in The Levee District.

Construction is well underway on a 10,400-sq.-ft. space next to Gordmans to be occupied by Shoe Dept Encore. The new store plans to open in the spring of 2014.