Apparel

Jackson, Miss. -- WS Development announced that Whole Foods Market broke ground in early November on a new 31,000-sq.-ft. store at Highland Village in Jackson, Miss., marking the grocer’s debut in the state.

The new store will open in 2013, joining about 50 shops and restaurants at the 220,000-sq.-ft. mixed-use center, such as Mason Weiss, Talbots, Whitehead Street Clothiers, and Albriton's Jewelers.

Indianapolis -- Simon Property Group said that St. Louis Premium Outlets, located in Chesterfield, Mo., has moved up its opening date to Aug. 22, 2013, and will be joined by Nike, Cole Haan, Converse, Gymboree, Adidas, Wilsons Leather and Claire's Accessories.

Other previously announced tenants include anchor Saks Fifth Avenue Off5TH, Ann Taylor, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Brooks Brothers, Elie Tahari, J.Crew, Jones New York, Loft Outlet, Max Studio, Tommy Hilfiger, Van Heusen and Vera Bradley.

Philadelphia -- Urban Outfitters reported Monday that net income in the third quarter rose 17.4% to $59.5 million, compared with $50.7 million in the prior-year period but missing Wall Street estimates.

Sales rose 13.6% to $692.9 million, narrowly missing analysts’ expected $692.5 million in revenue. Same-store sales dipped 1%.

Fort Myers, Fla. -- Chico's FAS reported Tuesday that net income for the quarter ended Oct. 27 surged 57.4% to $41.7 million, compared with $26.5 million in last year's third quarter.

Sales increased 18.2% to $636.7 million, and same-store sales grew 9.9%.

By banner, Chico's/Soma Intimates same-store sales increased 11.6%, and White House|Black Market rose 6.4%.

New York -- DSW Inc. reported Tuesday that net income fell 6.6% to $50.1 million, compared with $53.7 million in the same period last year.

Sales increased 11.7% to $592.7 million, compared with last year's third quarter sales of $530.7 million and beating Wall Street’s expected $548.1 million in revenue.

Same-store sales increased grew 6.3%.

The company said it plans to open 25 to 30 new stores next year.

Tommy Bahama has dropped anchor in Manhattan, opening a 13,000-sq.-ft. flagship on Fifth Avenue. It’s the island-inspired brand’s first store in the Big Apple, and also its biggest location to date, with 5,000 sq. ft. of retail, along with a 1,300-sq.-ft. bar on the first floor, and 6,700-sq.-ft. restaurant on the second floor.

HUDSON, Ohio — Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores has launched a mobile-optimized version of Joann.com, m.joann.com, to facilitate shopping for smartphone users just in time for the holiday shopping season.

Dollar General’s 10,000 plus locations will be open Thanksgiving Day from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., but it’s not taking the heat for doing so like rivals Walmart and Target.

Dollar General on Monday announced a series of online and in-store promotions, including special opening hours, designed to establish it as a holiday destination for gift givers as opposed to a convenient located stores that sell consumables.

New York -- Average asking rents on Lower Fifth Avenue in Manhattan rose 13% since the spring of 2012 to $1,021 per square foot (psf) and are up 51% since the same period in 2011, according to The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY’s) Fall 2012 Retail Report. The study revealed continued signs of improvement in the Manhattan retail market, with high demand and limited availability, which significantly drove up asking rents especially in the most prominent shopping corridors

Indianapolis -- The Finish Line announced the re-launch of Finishline.com with an enhanced focus on the customer.

Finish Line collaborated with several industry innovators on the re-launch. Big Spaceship, a digital agency dedicated to creating connective experiences, products and platforms, and Demandware, a  provider of cloud-based commerce solutions, have worked integrally with Finish Line’s digital and IT teams in the research, re-design and implementation of the site.