Apparel

Willow Grove, Pa. -- Philadelphia-based Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust said that Francesca’s Collections has opened a 1,046-sq.-ft. store at Willow Grove Park, located in Willow Grove, Pa.

Laila Rowe is slated to opena 1,181-sq.-ft. store in September.

Tucson, Ariz. -- Commercial Real Estate Advisors said that Rock’N Babies has relocated its store to Plaza Sonora, located in Tucson, Ariz.

The new 1,800-sq.-ft. resale boutique opened July 1.

 

New York -- As discounters such as Target, Stein Mart and warehouse club operator Costco posted disappointing same-store sales results in June, TJX Cos. and Ross Stores shone with gains that surpassed Wall Street estimates. TJX saw a same-store sales rise of 7% in June, beating the 4.2% rise predicted by analysts. Ross was up 7% for the month, after Wall Street forecast a 4.8% increase. Sales rose 12% to $886 million in June. Both chains raised their second-quarter profit forecasts.

Plymouth, Minn. -- Christopher & Banks Corp. said Tuesday it had received a takeover offer from private equity firm Aria Partners. The value set on the retailer is approximately $64 million.

The retailer said it will review the offer.

Aria currently owns 4% of Christopher & Banks shares.
 

New York -- Analysts expected 18 top retail chains to report a modest gains in June, as high unemployment and falling consumer confidence have taken a toll on spending.

Among the department store retailers reporting June same-store results so far, the results were largely mixed. Macy’s was among the retailers reporting sales that fell short of estimates. Same-store sales rose 1.2% in June, missing Wall Street’s projected 1.9% gain.

New York -- Disappointing same-store sales results in June weren’t necessarily unexpected, as the month typically trends weaker as shoppers have fewer reasons to shop.

Thomson Reuters, which polls 18 U.S. retail chains, projected its Same-Store Sales Index to inch up 0.5% in June, far below last year’s 6.7% rise for the month. Analysts have said that warm weather may have prompted consumers to make summer apparel purchases earlier than usual, shifting sales from later months like June.

Neill Davis has resigned as CFO at Men’s Wearhouse.

The specialty retailer announced the departure of Davis and indicated he had accepted the position of president at women’s specialty retailer Francesca’s Holding where he has served as a director for the past five years.

Davis’ last day with Men’s Wearhouse will be Aug. 2, according to the company.

Philadelphia -- Fameco Real Estate said that its Center City leasing team has signed seven new retail leases in Philadelphia.

On Walnut Street, Chipotle leased 2,300 sq. ft., Swarovski leased 1,800 sq. ft., and Urban Igloo entered the market with its first lease.   

Vineland, N.J. -- Philadelphia-based Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust said that Body Central has opened a 4,256-sq.-ft. store at Cumberland Mall, in Vineland, N.J.

Justice also recently opened at Cumberland Mall, which is anchored by Boscov’s, Marshalls, J.C. Penney, Burlington Coat Factory, Michaels, Old Navy and Bed Bath & Beyond.

 

Austin, Texas -- Dallas-based SRS Real Estate Partners said that three new store locations have been finalized for Baskins Western and Work Wear in Baton Rouge, La.; Lafayette, La.; and Katy, Texas. 

The new stores will include 12,000 to 15,000 sq. ft., and will bring the western apparel retail chain to 28 total locations.