Apparel

New York -- Barnes & Noble claims the top position in a list of the most powerful “Back-to-School” retail brands, according to Tenet Partners’ Top 20 ranking.  

Rounding out the top five: Walmart, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Amazon and Old Navy.

New York -- Get ready for Irish fast-fashion.
 
Value apparel retailer Primark, which  recently launched its U.S. website, announced it will open its first U.S. location, in Boston, on Sept. 10. The store measures 77,000 sq. ft. and is situated downtown in the Burnham Building, the site of the city’s iconic Filene's department store.

Primark’s second U.S. outpost will open in King of Prussia mall. The retailer said it plans to open an additional eight stores over the next two years.

Target is teaming up with Canadian footwear chain Aldo on a new range of shoes and accessories, according to a report from Footwear News.

The publication says the new collection will be called A+, is inspired by the Aldo brand, and will launch at all Target stores this month. 

In addition to partnerships with Stride Rite and Steve Madden, the publication says Target will continue to explore other shoe partnerships.

Aldo Group operates 1,900 stores in 94 countries. 

Atlanta -- FCA Partners announced the acquisition of Parkway Pointe, a 196,664-sq.-ft. retail center located in Atlanta. The property was purchased for $43.9 million from Stockbridge Capital on June 25.  

Dallas -- SRS Real Estate Partners said that it has named Brad Balbo as senior VP in the company's Phoenix office. Balbo specializes in the leasing, valuation and operations of retail shopping centers, with a focus on the restaurant segment.  

Balbo joins SRS from a boutique firm in Scottsdale, and will focus primarily on landlord and tenant representation and investment sales for SRS.
 

New York -- Female millennial shoppers still like the mall when it comes to shopping for back-to- school goods, and they are also using social media platforms to talk about it.

Minneapolis -- Parents and others shopping for toys at Target will no longer be offered product suggestions based on gender.

The retailer announced it plans to start removing gender-based signage in several departments, including toys, bedding and entertainment. Target said it made the decision after feedback and suggestions from customers.

With New York Fashion Week right around the corner, Macy's is planning a catwalk show of its own to close out the biggest fashion week of the year.

The retailer announced that it will host “Macy’s Presents Fashion’s Front Row” on Sept. 17 in New York City, featuring celebrities, musical acts and a runway show.