Jewelry

Plano, Texas -- J.C. Penney Company has launched a new exclusive concept, Modern Bride, in its stores and online.

The concept, a collaboration with Conde Nast, is designed to cater to today's bridal customer. Located in the rear of the fine jewelry department to provide an intimate customer experience, the Modern Bride in-store shops are detailed with their signage, distinctive fixtures, in-case lighting, displays and packaging, along with specially trained associates.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- Sears announced that it has partnered with wedding and entertaining expert David Tutera for the debut of the David Tutera Bridal Jewelry Collection. All settings in the Eternal, Heirloom, Radiance and Legacy designs, of which the premiere collection is comprised, will be available at Sears stores nationwide as well as online at http://www.sears.com/DavidTuteraJewelry beginning Feb. 1.

The retail industry will grow by 5.1% in 2011, the strongest growth in four years, according to Customer Growth Partners 2011 Forecast and Outlook. The New Canaan, Conn.-based consulting and research firm projects that the industry will create over half a million new jobs in 2011, the most of any employment sector, and that retail sales will reach a record level of almost $2.9 trillion.

LOS ANGELES — IBISWorld predicted Valentine's Day will boost retail sales in a new report.

The independent market and research firm said that consumers are expected to spend 5.8% more on Valentine’s Day purchases this year than last year, totaling $18.6 billion, or about $125 per person.

Big gains will be seen across all categories. Jewelry is expected to see an 11.3% boost, greeting cards and candy are projected to grow 4.9% and 5.1%, respectively, and clothing and lingerie should see a 3.4% rise.

New York City -- Winick Realty Group LLC said that jewelry and accessory retailer Laila Rowe has leased its first downtown Manhattan location at 99 Wall Street, between Front Street and Water Street.

Laila Rowe currently has 17 retail stores on the East Coast.

The 520-sq.-ft. space is on the ground floor and includes a partial basement.

Lenexa, Kan. -- Seattle-based Nordstrom announced plans to open its first Nordstrom Rack in Kansas. The 34,925-sq.-ft. store will be located in Lenexa at the Orchard Corners shopping center and is expected to open in fall 2011.

Boca Raton, Fla. -- Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group announced that its Town Center at Boca Raton shopping mall is celebrating the grand opening of two national retail debuts, a Florida first in dining and several other upscale additions.

Recently, Swiss watch manufacturer Ulysse Nardin opened its first freestanding U.S. boutique at Town Center at Boca Raton. Prior to the holidays, gold vending machine, the GOLD to go ATM, opened.

NEW YORK -Tiffany & Co. announced that James Quinn will retire in early 2012. Quinn joined Tiffany in 1986 and has served as president since 2003, responsible for the company’s sales outside the Americas.

Armonk, N.Y. -- The U.S. online retail sector delivered double-digit growth in December 2010 compared with the same period last year, according to analytics-based findings by IBM. Online sales were up 12%, with consumers pushing the average order value up from $171.06 to $190.42 for an increase of 11.3%.

Dallas -- Zale Corp.’s same-store sales rose 8.5% during the November-December selling period. This figure is a key indicator of a retailer's health because it gauges results at existing stores instead of newly opened ones.

Zale is refocusing its merchandise on diamonds and stepping up training of its workers, said CEO Theo Killion in a Bloomberg report. The company increased the number of salespeople certified by the Diamond Council of America to 2,000, from 800 last year, and plans to add more, he said.