Jewelry

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.

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.

CINCINNATI — Kroger has named Scott M. Henderson VP of pension investment and strategy and Todd A. Foley VP and treasurer.

Henderson currently serves as Kroger's VP and treasurer, a position he has held since 2003. He will lead a new team that is responsible for overseeing nearly $12 billion of assets.

Invest in the right experience for a shopping center's customers, and you will earn a return on experience. That is the business model driving Fort Worth, Texas-based Trademark Property Co., which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

"Do customers love being at the center? Do they come back and drive sales? That is return on experience," said Terry Montesi, Trademark chairman, CEO and founder. Experience is indispensable today when most goods and services are available online, often at a lower price.

Here are several pure-play online retailers that are venturing into the physical space — or thinking about making the leap:

• Rent the Runway, which rents high-end designer gowns, dresses and accessories to women for weddings and other special events, will use a recent infusion of $24.4 million in financing to build showrooms where shoppers can try on the frocks and consult with stylists. The popular online destination reportedly has Chicago next on its agenda.

El Paso, Texas -- Dallas-based Venture Commercial Real Estate said it has negotiated leases for two retailers entering or expanding in the El Paso, Texas, market.
 
Rue21 has opened a 5,000-sq.-ft. store at El Paseo Marketplace, its fourth location in El Paso.

Jared, The Galleria of Jewelry has signed a lease to open its first El Paso location in a 6,057-sq.-ft. store at The Fountains at Farah, a 600,000-sq.-ft. power lifestyle center currently under construction and opening fall 2013.   

CHICAGO — Icing, the jewelry and accessories brand founded by Claire's in 1996, is about to get a branding makeover.

The new branding program includes an updated store design, new brand visual identity, modernized logo and the brand's first ever e-commerce enabled website. The brand seeks to establish itself as a destination for fashionable jewelry, accessories and expert style advice for young women ages 18 and older.

PLANO, Texas — J.C. Penney is introducing the Bijoux Bar, a line of fine jewelry that features collections from Kenneth Jay Lane, Kara Ross, Lana Bramlette, Dominique Cohen, Doris Panos, Rodrigo Otazu and Diego Massimo. 

New York -- Icing, a division of Claire’s Stores, is being re-branded with a new store design, new logo and updated imagery, Women’s Wear Daily reported.

The jewelry and accessories retailer plans to open some 35 stores this year, including a flagship in Chicago. The new locations will feature the updated design. Existing stores will be remodeled.
 

HOUSTON — Specialty retailer Francesca's has appointed Laurie Ann Goldman and Joseph O'Leary to its board of directors.

Goldman has been CEO of rapidly growing Spanx, makers of slimming intimates and body shapers, since 2002. Prior to joining privately held Spanx, she spent 10 years at the Coca-Cola Company in a number of leading marketing roles. Earlier in her career, she held marketing positions at R.H. Macy and Maison Blanche Stores. Goldman currently serves on the advisory board for Suntrust Banks.