Apparel

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.

One topic that’s been on my mind lately is the growing Hispanic market in the U.S., and what its clout and purchasing power will mean for retailers — and, subsequently, for retail real estate — in the years ahead. “Emerging” is probably too mild of a word to describe the Hispanic market — exploding might be more accurate.

Oak Brook, Ill. — Retail Properties of America has announced an agreement to acquire six multi-tenant retail assets through the dissolution of its MS Inland joint venture. The joint venture owns the portfolio, with 20% owned by RPAI and 80% owned by RPAI’s partner. RPAI will acquire its partner’s 80% interest in the six properties.

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.

Belk has entered into a three-year partnership agreement with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC). The agreement includes endorsements, appearances and numerous co-branded marketing initiatives.

During October, Belk will also be the exclusive provider of the iPromise clothing line for the benefit of Susan G. Komen outside of the Dallas Cowboys Pro Shops.

Seattle --- Nordstrom has launched nordstromrack.com, a new e-commerce site and mobile app, built on a shared platform with HauteLook, Nordstrom's flash sale business. The new site gives customers access to shop Nordstrom Rack merchandise alongside HauteLook’s signature flash sale events.

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.

Philadelphia -- Destination Maternity Corp. announced the start of its planned expansion into Mexico with the opening of 46 Destination Maternity  branded shop-in-shops through a previously announced international franchise agreement with El Puerto de Liverpool, S.A.B. de C.V., the largest department store operator in Mexico.