Apparel

NEW YORK — Simon Kneen, creative director and EVP design for Banana Republic has been awarded a Doctor of Arts honoris causa from Kingston University in London, United Kingdom. A Kingston University graduate, Kneen was nominated and awarded for his 30-year commitment and success in the fashion and design industry. 

NEW YORK — Cache Inc., a specialty chain of women’s apparel stores, announced that Michael Price, managing partner of MFP Partners, L.P., Cache’s largest shareholder, has joined the board of directors. In addition, Charles Hinkaty, formerpresident and CEO of Del Laboratories Inc., has been appointed to the board. In connection with their appointments, Michael Price and Charles Hinkaty have been appointed to the nominating and governance committee and the compensation and plan administration committee of the oard.

Chandler, Ariz. -- Simon Property Group announced Friday that it opened Phoenix Premium Outlets, the upscale outlet shopping center serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale areas.   
 

Henderson, Nev. -- One of Southern Nevada’s largest shopping centers is set to undergo a $7 million renovation, its largest since it opened in 1996. According to mall owner, Cleveland-based Forest City Enterprises, construction is scheduled to begin early April and is slated for completion in the fall.

Boutique Talulah will join H&M in the newly renovated mall. Bath & Body Works and Express stores will relocate to new locations inside the center.

New York -- Jewelry sales are expected to grow more than 11% in the second quarter and 9% overall this year, according to a new IBM Big Data-based forecast.

According to the analysis, improved consumer confidence, lower unemployment and enhanced stock dividends from fourth quarter 2012 have combined to leave people ready to start spending on luxury items again, like jewelry.

New York -- Century 21 Department Store will unveil its expanded flagship location in downtown Manhattan on April 9. The retailer has added three new selling floors, for a total of six floors and over 225,000 sq. ft. of shopping.

NEW YORK — Century 21 Department Store is expanding its popular downtown Manhattan flagship store.

The new store, which will be unveiled on April 9, will featue three new selling floors to accomodate its expanded merchandise assortment. The store will now total six floors and more than 2250,000 square feet.

Total U.S. Shopper Traffic in Retail Stores and Malls for March 2013

Shopper activity increased last month with the Easter holiday and students on spring break. March retail foot traffic increased 25.8% compared with February 2013, continuing positive month-over-month retail traffic trends. Foot traffic for March 2013 increased 1.5% compared with the same month in 2012. 

Vancouver, British Columbia -- Lululemon Athletica Inc. said that chief product officer Sheree Waterson will be leaving Lululemon effective April 15, in what it described as a “leadership change in the product organization.”

The news comes just weeks after the specialty retailer had to recall its signature Luon-fabric yoga pants from store shelves for being too sheer. The company warned that the move could lead to shortages and dent its profit by up to $40 million this fiscal year.

San Francisco -- Jamestown said Wednesday it has acquired a real estate portfolio in downtown San Luis Obispo, Calif., comprised of 86% retail and 14% office space in open-air, multi-story settings.

The retail component, purchased from Copeland Properties, consists of seven assets, the most notable being Court Street Centre and Downtown Centre, and totals approximately 195,000 sq. ft. The portfolio also includes 28,000 sq. ft. of office space in three separate properties.