Footwear

New York -- A New York judge on Thursday rejected a request by Macy's to block J.C. Penney from selling Martha Stewart goods under the "JCP Everyday" label for now, while it appeals a ruling allowing the sale. An order temporarily barring Martha Stewart from selling goods branded with her name at J.C. Penney's is still in place.

Cranston, R.I. -- Boston-based The Wilder Cos. said Thursday that the second phase of the multi-phased strategy to expand, reconfigure and redevelop Garden City Center, in Cranston, R.I., is officially underway.

The project involves turning vacant former large-format retail spaces into a mix of mid-sized and smaller specialty retailers, including the state’s first Corner Bakery Café which signed a multi-year lease.

Fredericksburg, Va. -- Youngstown, Ohio-based Cafaro Co. said that J. Jill will open a new store at Spotsylvania Towne Centre. The 3,700-sq.-ft. location is slated to open in July at The Village at Towne Centre, between Firebirds Wood Fired Grill and Cache.  

J. Jill will join The Buckle, opening April 25, and Chico’s, which is expected to open May 1.

New York -- A Wednesday report by Women’s Wear Daily said Libby Wadle been named president of the J. Crew brand, charged with overseeing both the retail and direct businesses of J. Crew, Crewcuts and J. Crew factory outlets. She was previously EVP.

Former chief administrative officer James Scully has been promoted to COO.

San Francisco -- In a presentation to shareholders at its annual investor meeting on Wednesday, Gap CEO Glenn Murphy outlined growth initiatives that include taking Old Navy international via a franchising route, and expanding on its online programs.

Pittsburgh -- American Eagle Outfitters said Wednesday it has named Kitty Yung to the position of EVP/president of Asia Pacific, charged with supporting the chain’s global geographic and channel growth “while aligning with our strategic plan of fortifying core assets, growing North America and transforming to a global omni-channel competitor …,” said Robert Hanson, CEO.

SEATTLE — Online shoe retailer, OnlineShoes.com, announced that four in-vogue fashion bloggers will each design a pair of customized 993 Running Shoes by New Balance, and readers will vote on who did it best.  At the end of voting, the winning design will go into production and be sold by OnlineShoes.com as limited-edition footwear. Voters can also enter for a chance to win a pair of custom New Balance running shoes. The contest runs from Tuesday, April 9 through Friday, April 19, 2013.

LONDONDERRY, N.H. — Danish footwear brand, Ecco, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with special deals and contests. Throughout the month of April, U.S. customers will enjoy special in-store displays, a Facebook sweepstakes starting today, and historical storytelling through the brand’s Tumblr blog.