Footwear

SAN LEANDRO, Calif. — The North Face, the outdoor product company specializing in outerwear, footwear and backpacks, is partnering with state parks around the country to encourage participation in outside activities. 

Philadelphia -- Tex-Mex family restaurant operator Uncle Julio’s will join Plymouth Meeting Mall in late 2013, according to mall owner Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT), based in Philadelphia.

The 9,300-sq.-ft. location will be the first in Pennsylvania, and marks the completion of The Plaza Shops extension, which is anchored by Whole Foods and includes Massage Envy, Coldwater Creek, Loft, Chico’s, Olly Shoes, Orvis, and Jos. A. Bank.

CINCINNATI — Bloomingdale’s is heading to Hawaii for the first time. It plans to open a 167,000-sq.-ft., three-level store at the Ala Moana Center in Honolulu on the Island of Oahu in fall 2015. 

The new store will be part of a redevelopment of a portion of Ala Moana, Hawaii’s premier shopping destination, by General Growth Properties. Construction will begin in 2014. The upscale chain of department stores, owned by Macy’s, will join a Macy’s store which already operates at the shopping center.

SEATTLE — Blue Nile, an online retailer of diamonds and fine jewelry, has appointed former Aeropostale co-CEO Mindy Meads to its board of directors. 

Meads has 35 years of experience in the global apparel industry. She currently serves on two public boards — Wet Seal, a specialty teen brand, and Mela Sciences, a bio tech company. In these roles, she provides strategic counsel focused on growth and the use of multichannel business strategies.

Ft. Worth, Texas -- Westwood Contractors announced that effective May 1, Michael W. McBride has  assumed the role of president in addition to his position as COO at the firm.

“This promotion acknowledges Mike’s leadership role in the strategic direction of the company as it continues to grow,” said Robert D. Benda, CEO of Westwood.

Prior to joining Westwood in 1994, McBride held construction management positions at Payless Shoe Source and Zale Corporation.

LOS ANGELES — Specialty sporting goods retailer Sport Chalet is looking to public relations boutique agency Formula PR to help establish its brand as a leader within the active lifestyle industry. 

The multi-faceted program will focus on elevating visibility around Sport Chalet’s in-house health and fitness experts, heightening regional awareness through interactive events and custom programs, in addition to connecting with consumers, and positioning the brand as the go-to resource for education, training and gear in the vast sports arena. 

Los Angeles -- Bebe Stores, Inc. is naming Keith Keegan as senior VP of marketing, effective May 13. Keegan will be in charge of all aspects of marketing and branding across all Bebe brands and report to CEO Steve Birkhold.

Previously, Keegan has worked for Abercrombie and Fitch, Limited, and Express and most recently served as VP of marketing and creative director for American Eagle and the Aerie brand.

NEW YORK — Foot Locker has started the ball rolling toward acquiring Runners Point Warenhandelsges, a specialty athletic store and online retailer based in Recklinghausen, Germany, for a total cash consideration of approximately $94 million.