Apparel

Toronto -- Opterus Inc., a leading provider of cost-effective, web-based store communications and task management solutions, announced that luxury retailer Cole Haan has selected Opterus’ Store Ops-Center as its communications and task management solution.

Las Vegas — Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino has begun planning efforts to convert a 60,000-sq.-ft. area on Harmon Avenue along the center’s south end into a dining and entertainment destination.

Dublin, Calif. -- Ross Stores’ board approved a succession plan that elevates Barbara Rentler from president and chief merchant to CEO, effective June 1, replacing Michael Balmuth who will transition to executive chairman.

Current president and COO Michael O’Sullivan will continue in his present position.

Other promotions effective June 1 include: Lisa Panattoni to president, merchandising; and Bernard Brautigan to group executive VP merchandising.

Washington, D.C. -- More than two-thirds of U.S. shoppers will buy gift cards during the spring and summer seasons, according to a just-released survey by the Retail Gift Card Association.

Buying occasions include Mother’s Day, graduation and weddings. Key findings of the RGCA spring and summer gift card study, which polled more than 1,100 American shoppers, include:

Montreal -- After a failed attempt to restructure under bankruptcy protection, Canadian fashion retailer Boutique Jacob said it will liquidate its inventory and close all 92 stores.

The Montreal-based chain, which operates the Jacob, Jacob Outlet and Jacob Liquidation banners, exited bankruptcy protection in 2011 and has been unable to return to profitability. According to a Reuters report, the company said it was hurt by a challenging economy as well as competition from international brands that have debuted in Canada in recent years.

Hudson’s Bay Company has named Paul V. Beesley as CFO, effective June 2014.

The Neiman Marcus Group has added Adam Brotman, Phillipe Bourguignon, and Vivek “Vic” Gundotra to its board of directors.

Brotman is chief digital officer for Starbucks and is responsible for Starbucks’ core digital businesses, including mobile and mobile payments, Web, card, loyalty, e-commerce, wi-fi and the Starbucks Digital Network. Prior to joining Starbucks in 2009, Brotman held key leadership positions at leading digital media companies including Corbis and PlayNetwork.

Lewisville, Texas — Kroger and retail developer Cencor Realty Services will break ground on a 123,000-sq.-ft. Kroger Marketplace this week. Slated to open in the first quarter of 2015, the new Kroger will anchor a community-regional-draw center located in the 2,500-acre master-planned community of Castle Hills, Texas.

In addition to the Kroger Marketplace, the center’s first phase will include 40,000 sq. ft. of in-line retail space and several ground sites for national restaurant concepts that have not been announced yet.

Alameda, Calif. — Charming Charlie has signed a 10-year lease for a new 5,570-sq.-ft. store at Alameda South Shore Center in Alameda, California. Cornish & Carey Commercial Newmark Knight Frank represented the landlord, Jamestown, the real estate investment and management firm, in the transaction.

Slated to open in September, the new Charming Charlie will join Carter’s and Crazy 8, two more recently signed tenants, in the 594,000-sq.-ft. open-air shopping center.

Chevy Chase, Md. — Formerly known as 2b Bebe, Bebe has rebranded at six Mills properties across the country.

Shoppers will find the new Bebe concept at Arizona Mills (Phoenix), Franklin Mills (Philadelphia), Great Mall (San Francisco), Ontario Mills (Los Angeles), Potomac Mills (Washington, D.C.) and Sawgrass Mills (Ft. Lauderdale/Miami).

The Mills, a hybrid outlet concept, is one of Simon Property Group’s five real estate platforms.