Apparel

This new concept makes its retail debut with a unusual store design that has created lots of buzz. The central element of the 1,800-sq.-ft. boutique is a continuous surface made from 25,000 stacked paper bags‹that arches from floor to ceiling. Creating a warm atmosphere, the honeycomb-like structure contrasts with the existing industrial brick and concrete space. All clothing, accessories and jewelry are displayed on quartz slab tables, blackened steel hang bars and steel and glass vitrines.

Santa Fe, N.M. -- Fort Worth, Texas-based Trademark Property Co. said that Sports Authority will open a new store at Santa Fe Place mall in Santa Fe, N.M.

The 40,000-sq.-ft. store will open in a vacated Mervyn’s anchor space at the center. Construction is slated to launch in October with opening planned for spring 2013. It will be the second Sports Authority in New Mexico; the other store is located in Albuquerque.

New York -- Microsoft Corp. will open its first retail location in Canada at the Yorkdale Mall, the Star reported.

Apple has 23 stores across Canada, including a location at Yorkdale.

The report cited building permit notices which revealed Microsoft has been approved to build a store in Yorkdale center.
 

Ridgefield, Conn. -- Victoria’s Secret has selected Schimenti Construction to build its store located in the Quaker Bridge Mall, Lawrenceville, N.J.
 
Construction of the 13,500-sq.-ft. store is scheduled to begin mid-June and is scheduled for completion in October. The architect for the project is Fitch, Scottsdale, Ariz.
 

New York -- Large emerging markets with an active online user base and solid infrastructure offer retailers the greatest e-commerce potential in the near-term, according to a new study by A.T. Kearney’s Global Consumer Institute. The study ranks the 10 countries with the greatest potential for e-commerce growth, and China tops the list, followed by Brazil (#2), Russia (#3), Chile (#4) and Mexico (#5).

A trailblazing town center is getting more space and a cosmetic update.

Easton Town Center (Columbus, Ohio) co-developers Steiner + Associates and The Georgetown Co. have announced that they will be adding more than 50,000 sq. ft. of new tenants this year and renovating more than 150,000 sq. ft. of existing space.

“Great projects evolve on purpose,” said Yaromir Steiner, CEO, Steiner. “Our vision for Easton has been, and continues to be, to challenge ourselves to make it better every day.”

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Kohl’s Department Stores is strengthening its commitment to renewable energy, by increasing its solar program by nearly 25% in 2012, installing solar panels at approximately 30 additional Kohl’s locations.

DAVENPORT, Iowa — Von Mauer may not be a household name in the retail world, but the Davenport, Iowa-based department store chain must be doing something right with its online business.

Ideeli will be able to further expand its capabilities, thanks to a $30 million investment from Credit Suisse and current institutional investors. According to the company, the new capital will be used to strengthen its infrastructure and fuel the flash-sales retailer's growth prospects.

Improved procurement processes at Gymboree are being eyed as a means for the specialty retailer to reduce expenses.

Gymboree, operator of 1,155 stores, said it retained the procurement management firm LogicSource after the firm conducted a detailed analysis of Gymboree’s procurement spend and identified significant savings opportunities. LogicSource will give Gymboree access to its broad-reaching procurement industry expertise, provide a comprehensive vendor network, and drive efficiencies through smart centralization, according to LogicSource.