Apparel

Bedminster, N.J. -- Dental practice Brighter Dental Care has leased 2,600 sq. ft. of the second floor at The Hills Village Center in Bedminster, New Jersey, according to Levin Management, exclusive leasing and managing agent for the 110,800-sq.-ft. center.

Sports footwear and apparel giant Puma brings its global sustainability outlet-store prototype to the Destiny USA mall in Syracuse, New York, where it has opened its first LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Platinum-certified location.

Christopher & Banks has promoted Peter G. Michielutti to EVP, COO and CFO, just a day after the company named former National Stores executive Lynn C. Derry as SVP and general merchandise manager.

The move is part of the company’s growth strategy.

Michielutti will be responsible for the company’s finance, accounting, internal audit, investor relations, real estate, tax, risk management, information technology and supply chain and logistics functions. He joined the company in April 2012 as SVP and CFO.

Conn’s has appointed William E. Saunders Jr. to its board of directors. Saunders will also become a member of the audit committee and the nominating and corporate governance committee.

Regional department store operator Belk wasted no time filling its president and head merchant position after Kathryn Bufano vacated those positions to become CEO of The Bon-Ton Stores.

Within minutes of Bon-Ton’s announcement that it had hired Bufano, Belk named David Zant president and chief merchandising officer, effective August 11. Zant has served as EVP and general merchandise manager of men’s, home and kids since 2008 and in his new role will report to Tim Belk, chairman and CEO of the 299-unit chain.

Retailers and suppliers who already operate in China or are looking to expand there may want to contact Kurt Salmon following several key hires by the consulting company.

The management consulting firm’s Retail and Consumer Products Group in China said it hired Hao Li and Ke Chen as partners.

The Wet Seal named Christine Lee EVP and chief merchandising officer, as the retailer of young women’s apparel looks to regain its appeal with core shoppers and reverse several quarters’ worth of double-digit same-store sales declines.

Lee will join Wet Seal on September 3 and in her new role report to company CEO John Goodman. Lee previously served as SVP and general merchandise manager at Pacific Sunwear since 2010. Prior to Pac-Sun, she spent 18 years with Urban Outfitters where she began her career as a sales associate.

Under Armour has signed a multi-year partnership with Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson. As brand ambassador, Peterson will wear Under Armour cleats and clothes on the field and during training.
 

York, Pa. -- The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. announced the appointment of Kathryn Bufano to the position of president and CEO, effective Aug. 25. Bufano has served as the president and chief merchandising officer of Belk Inc. since 2010.

Bufano replaces outgoing president and CEO Brendan Hoffman, who announced his resignation.