Jewelry

Philadelphia -- Fameco Real Estate said that its Center City leasing team has signed seven new retail leases in Philadelphia.

On Walnut Street, Chipotle leased 2,300 sq. ft., Swarovski leased 1,800 sq. ft., and Urban Igloo entered the market with its first lease.   

The past few months have seen a flurry of store openings in New York City. Here’s a rundown on some of this summer’s hottest new must-sees as chosen by my go-to expert on Big Apple retail happenings Faith Hope Consolo,  chairman of the retail division at Prudential Douglas Elliman:

This new concept makes its retail debut with a unusual store design that has created lots of buzz. The central element of the 1,800-sq.-ft. boutique is a continuous surface made from 25,000 stacked paper bags‹that arches from floor to ceiling. Creating a warm atmosphere, the honeycomb-like structure contrasts with the existing industrial brick and concrete space. All clothing, accessories and jewelry are displayed on quartz slab tables, blackened steel hang bars and steel and glass vitrines.

Chicago -- Claire's Stores announced Monday that its COO James G. Conroy has departed the company, effective immediately.

Conroy's duties will be assumed by newly appointed CEO James D. Fielding, who will officially join Claire’s on June 18. Fielding had been president of Disney Stores Worldwide since May 2008.
 

New York -- Claire’s Stores Inc. has named James D. Fielding, former president of Disney Stores Worldwide, as CEO, effective June 18, 2012. Fielding, who resigned from Disney on Monday, will also join Claire’s board of directors.

“I look forward to capitalizing on the many growth initiatives available to the company, including new stores, development of the Icing concept, continued international expansion in markets such as Mexico, India and China, and optimization of e-commerce,” Fielding said in a statement.

Short Hills, N.J. -- Mulberry has opened a new store at Mall at Short Hills (N.J.), on the upper level near Bloomingdale’s, and will be followed by Robert Graham and Vilebrequin openings this summer.

Robert Graham will make its New Jersey debut this summer in its third freestanding U.S. boutique. And men’s swimwear retailer Vilebrequin makes its New Jersey debut this summer as well.

Newly opened stores recently added to this list include Ermenegildo Zegna, Miu Miu, Prada, Victorinox Swiss Army and
Vineyard Vines. 

New York -- Tiffany & Co. reported Thursday that profit for the first quarter was essentially flat at $81.5 million, compared with $81.1 million in the year-ago quarter, prompting the jeweler to reduce its forecast for both sales and profit for the year.

Worldwide revenue increased almost 8% to $819.2 million in the quarter, topping Wall Street’s estimates of $817.1 million in revenue. Same-store sales rose 4%.

Tiffany said it now projects that sales globally will be up 7% to 8%, instead of the originally forecasted 10% rise.

Dallas -- Zale Corp reported a narrower third-quarter loss on Wednesday.

Zale’s net loss narrowed by about a half to $4.5 million in the third quarter ended April 30, from $9 million a year ago.

Revenues for the quarter ended April 30, 2012 rose 8.1% to $445 million, compared with $412 million in the same period last year. Same-store sales increased 8%.

Las Vegas -- Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino said that five new stores will open at the center, and several tenants will unveil newly renovated spaces.

Garrett Popcorn will open this September in its first Las Vegas location; Jamba Juice has already opened its Miracle Mile Shops outlet, and blow-dry bar Dollheads will open this June. In November, GRATiAE will open a skin care products store.

New York -- Liz Claiborne Inc. said Tuesday that it has officially changed its name to Fifth & Pacific Cos., following an initial announcement in January that it would do so.

The company sold the Liz Claiborne and Monet brands to J.C. Penney Co. in November, freeing it up to concentrate more fully on its Juicy Couture, Lucky Brand and Kate Spade labels.