Jewelry

New York City -- The nation’s discounters and department store retailers turned in mixed results for December, with many chains citing unseasonably warm weather that sapped demand for cold-weather merchandise.

“Cold-weather categories, which are highly profitable and represent approximately 25% of our business in December, were down mid-teens on a percentage basis,” said Tony Buccina, vice chairman, president – merchandising, The Bon-Ton Stores, whose December same-store sales fell 0.7%. The company widened its loss forecast.

New York City -- Liz Claiborne Inc. said Wednesday that it will change its name to Fifth & Pacific Cos., effective May 15, to reflect the divestiture of its namesake brand as well as a newly honed focus on its core banners.

The owner of Juicy Couture, Kate Spade and Lucky Brand agreed last October to sell its Liz Claiborne and Monet brands to J.C. Penney Co. for $267.5 million in a move to reduce debt. It also sold its Dana Buchman brand to Kohl’s Corp.

New York City -- Global architecture and design firm Callison announced Friday the acquisition of New York City-based Barteluce Architects & Associates.

This acquisition will grow Callison’s New York team to over 75 architects. Since Jan. 1, 2011, Callison has added more than 200 professionals to its global offices and the company said it plans to make more strategic acquisitions and investments in the future.

Short Hills, N.J. -- The Mall at Short Hills, located in Short Hills, N.J., announced that Carlo Pazolini and Ermenegildo Zegna have joined the mall’s tenant roster. 

Luxury menswear retailer Ermenegildo Zegna opened on the upper level near Neiman Marcus. 

Carlo Pazolini has located on the lower level near Macy’s, and will present Carlo Pazolini, Carlo Pazolini Couture and Adami collections.

WESTBORO, Mass. — Micros-Retail, a division of Micros Systems, announced that luxury watch retailer Tourneau has completed a successful launch of the Tourneau.com website utilizing Micros-Retail Open Commerce Platform.

New York -- Tiffany & Co.  announced that Stephane Lafay has been appointed to the newly-created position of group VP - Asia-Pacific Region and President - Tiffany Japan. 

Lafay, 46, joined Tiffany in 2009 as president of Tiffany’s Japan organization. A search is underway for a managing director of Japan who will report to Lafay. 

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Kohl's announced that it has expanded its partnership with Vera Wang Group to launch a new, exclusive line of junior's clothing that will be available in stores and online beginning August 2012.

The Princes Vera Wang collection will include premium apparel and jewelry at a great value, the company said. Additional categories may be added over time. 

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears announced it will offer extended shopping hours at its stores in 260 markets to give customers extra time to shop for those last-minute gifts. The company announced that select stores will stay open until midnight everyday from Wednesday, Dec. 14 through Friday, Dec. 23. 

Yonkers, N.Y. -- Forest City Ratner Cos., the developer of Westchester’s Ridge Hill, in Yonkers, N.Y., announced that four new retailers have completed leases and will be opening their stores during the spring/summer 2012. They are LA Fitness; T.J. Maxx; Pandora and Francesca’s Collection.

Additionally, Guitar Center, which had previously executed a lease, will be opening its new store at Ridge Hill during the December holiday season. These new stores will occupy 108,939 sq. ft. at Westchester’s Ridge Hill.

New York City -- Prudential Douglas Elliman's Retail Group said it has arranged the first New York flagship for Perrin Paris at the Carlyle Hotel on Madison Avenue between 76th- and 77th Streets.

The House of Perrin is renowned for its elegant and timeless leather gloves, handbags and accessories, often composed of such unique and exotic skins as crocodile, python and more. Neighboring boutiques in the Carlyle Hotel include Vera Wang, Stubb & Wootton and Yves Delorme Linens.