Apparel

STOCKHOLM — H&M will become the first fashion company to roll out garment collecting in select stores worldwide as part of their sustainability initiative.

Chicago -- Claire's Stores Inc. announced the recent opening of the first Claire's stores in China, in DaNing Life Hub in Shanghai. The company’s second China store will open on Dec. 7, in Grand Gateway Mall in Shanghai.

Claire’s has entered China on an owned and operated basis and has established a new division based in Shanghai.

STAMFORD, Conn. — Pitney Bowes is helping high-end leathergoods retailer Dooney & Bourke extend its reach in the global online market.

Dooney & Bourke will use Pitney Bowes’s e-commerce software and international shipping services to offer international buyers the ability to receive a guaranteed, fully-landed cost quote that includes importation fees during the online checkout process. Displaying fully-landed costs upfront helps ensure there are no surprises for buyers with additional fees at the time of delivery.

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. — Dollar General has elected Sandy Cochran, president and CEO of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, to its board of directors, effective December 5.

“We are excited to add Sandy to the Dollar General board of directors,” said Rick Dreiling, Dollar General’s chairman and CEO. “Sandy’s extensive experience and perspective will provide us with valuable insights as we continue to grow our business. Her expertise will complement our board as we strive to build shareholder value.”

Claire’s Stores has opened its first two stores in China, giving the leading retailer of jewelry and accessories a worldwide presence in 39 countries with nearly 3,500 locations.

The company said it opened stores in the DaNing Life Hub and Grand Gateway Mall in Shanghai and indicated that China represents a significant market opportunity for the Claire's brand.　

San Francisco -- The Gymboree Corp. reported Wednesday that net income for the quarter ended Oct. 27 fell 22.6% to $46.9 million from $60.6 million in the year-ago period.

Sales edged up 2.8% to $311.5 million, but same-store sales dipped 4% in the quarter.

During fiscal 2012, the company said it maintains its plans to open approximately 124 new stores, including 98 Crazy 8 stores.

Fort Worth, Texas -- Trademark Property Group announced that together with Coventry Real Estate Advisors, Southern Land Co. and PCCP, it has recapitalized the Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm mixed-use project near Dallas in a joint-venture arrangement.
 
The Joint Venture acquired the note on the property from a multi-bank syndicate led by PNC Bank. PCCP provided the capital for the transaction from its opportunistic fund, PCCP Equity VI, L.P.

Boston -- DJM Realty announced that Josh Podell has joined the company as a specialty retail and outlet consultant.

Podell, who will continue to operate his own real estate consultancy Podell Real Estate Advisors, counts among his retail experience a lengthy stint as VP real estate for Jones Retail Corp., a division of Jones Apparel Group.

Naples, Fla. -- New York City-based Brixmor Property Group has announced the Dec. 6 grand re-opening of its redevelopment of Naples Plaza, one of the oldest shopping centers in Naples, Fla.

Philadelphia -- Metro Commercial Real Estate said that David’s Bridal will open an 8,164-sq.-ft. store at Great Northeast Plaza, located in the northeastern part of Philadelphia.

The new store is slated to open by spring 2013.