Footwear

Bloomfield Hills, Mich.-based Taubman Centers, Inc. has officially broken ground on its new Taubman Prestige Outlets Chesterfield project by hosting a groundbreaking ceremony on July 27.

As part of the ceremony, Taubman revealed a variety of store names that will make their debuts at the new outlet mall, among them Banana Republic Factory Store, Gap Outlet, J. Crew Factory, Brooks Brothers Factory Store, 2b Bebe, American Eagle Outfitters - Off Campus, and Sunglass Hut.

NEW YORK — Macy's announced that Brazilian actress and model Camila Alves, will serve as the ambassador for it's exclusive I.N.C. International Concepts brand. Beginning this fall and continuing through 2013, Alves will highlight I.N.C.'s fall collection as she appears in a multi-platform campaign with a significant presence in print, digital and in store. Alves also takes on the role of media spokesperson, being at the forefront of all brand messaging such as new initiatives and product launches.

New York -- Fifth and Pacific Cos. reported Thursday that it narrowed its loss in the second quarter to $52.1 million, compared with a loss of $89.9 million in the same period last year.  Results, which beat Wall Street expectations, were boosted by strong sales from the Kate Spade and Lucky Brand banners.

The company that was formerly known as Liz Claiborne Inc. saw net sales fall 6.5% to $336.9 million in the quarter, which still beat analysts’ forecasted $330.8 million.

Wilmington, N.C. -- Madison Marquette Retail Services, which leases and manages Independence Mall – in Wilmington, N.C. – on behalf of owner Centro Properties Group, said that Gymboree Corp.’s Crazy 8 brand will open a new store at the mall this fall.

The 2,465-sq.-ft. store will join Aeropostale, The Children’s Place, Gymboree and Justice in catering to Independence Mall’s teen, tween and children’s clothing shoppers.
 

New York -- Prudential Douglas Elliman's Retail Group said it has arranged the American debut of Caramel Baby & Child at 1244 Madison Avenue, between 89th and 90th Streets. 

The luxury label, which currently has stores in London and Tokyo, specializes in clothing for babies through toddlers. The newest location is on a corridor that is regarded as a center for luxury children's clothing, and home to such neighbors as Armani Jr., Jacadi, Baby Cottons, J. Crew Cuts, Pink Chicken, Brooks Brothers Children and Rachel Riley.
 

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. — Once again, consumers are putting off back-to-school shopping until the last minute, but retailers can take solace in the fact that they intend to spend more this year.

According to NPD's survey, 31% of respondents said they plan to spend more this year, compared with 22% who made that claim in 2011. The number of consumers who plan to spend less went from 38% in 2011 to 24% this year, while those who plan to spend the same rose from 40% to 46%.

ARMONK, N.Y. — In-store sales of women’s clothing are expected to see a 9.2% increase in the third quarter of 2012 versus the year-ago period, according to a just-released IBM analytics-based forecast of U.S. retail sales data. The report predicts a 6.2% increase in sales of children’s clothing and a 5.2% increase in footwear. Men’s clothing, however, is forecast to lag, dropping 6.7%.

Bedford, Ind. -- Beachwood, Ohio-based Chase Properties said it has acquired Williams Crossing in Bedford, Ind., from Horne Properties.

Williams Crossing is a 50,000-sq.-ft. shopping center that is shadow-anchored by a Super Walmart. Other tenants in the center include Dollar Tree, Maurices, Shoe Show and Hibbett Sports. Marcus & Millichap brokered the sale.
 

Retailers should brace for strong back-to-school sales according to a National Retail Federation survey that shows a surge in K-through-12 and college spending.

Armonk, N.Y. – In-store sales of women’s clothing are expected to see a 9.2% increase in the third quarter of 2012 versus the year-ago period, according to a just-released IBM analytics-based forecast of U.S. retail sales data. The report predicts a 6.2% increase in sales of children’s clothing and a 5.2% increase in footwear. Men’s clothing, however, is forecast to lag, dropping 6.7%.