Apparel

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Paul Frank is partnering with Babies"R"Us to launch all-new Small Paul designs that will be available exclusively at Babies"R"Us stores nationwide beginning May 23. The joining of these two brands, which are both distinguished and playful in nature, is sure to create buzz among moms and fans of all ages.

The line will include apparel and accessories, available in sizes 0 to 5T, as well Small Paul-branded bags, backpacks, footwear and hosiery, and plush toys.

Los Angeles -- Lorna Jane, the premier Australian activewear brand for women, will open its second U.S. location, in Marina del Rey, Calif., this month. 

The company’s other U.S. location opened in March 2012, in Malibu, Calif. A third flagship store is scheduled to open in June in Santa Monica, and an online retail store will launch later this year.

Indianapolis -- Simon Property Group announced that Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th will open a total of seven new stores in the next two years in its Premium Outlets division, including new centers and existing centers.

Orlando, Fla. -- Jones Lang LaSalle announced that it was selected for two retail assignments in Florida: management and leasing for the Galleria at Fort Lauderdale in Ft. Lauderdale and management for Vero Beach Outlets in Vero Beach.

The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale is a 964,423-sq.-ft. super-regional mall in South Florida, anchored by Neiman Marcus, Macy’s and Dillard’s.

Dallas -- SRS Real Estate Partners announced that it has named Dafna Nadulek as a senior associate in the company’s South Florida office.

She will focus on developing SRS Urban and tenant representation.

For a decade prior to joining SRS, Nadulek owned and operated her own shoe and accessory boutiques in New York City.

As part of Chain Store Age’s lead-up coverage to RECon 2012, to be held May 20-23 in Las Vegas, we talked with Forest City’s Joseph Boehm about what his expectations are for the big real estate show. Visit Forest City’s booth at RECon, Central Hall, C10 Union Street.

What are your expectations for RECon 2012 in terms of activity, attitude, priorities?

Country Club Hills, Ill. -- Midwestern shopping center owner/developer Tucker Development announced that Le Club has signed a lease at Country Club Plaza, located in the southern portion of Country Club Hills, Ill.

The woman’s apparel retailer, which operates four locations throughout the Chicago metropolitan area, will occupy a 2,500-sq.-ft. inline space at the 450,000-sq.-ft. center. According to Tucker’s VP leasing Adam Moschin, approximately 5,600 sq. ft. of space remains available for lease.

Garden City, N.Y. -- Sabre Real Estate Group said it has arranged five retail leases on Long Island totaling almost 20,000 sq. ft.

In Commack, N.Y., women’s apparel retailer Bolton’s leased 2,500 sq. ft. in the Mayfair Shopping Center for a store that is expected to open in June. Levin Management Corp., of Plainfield, N.J., owns the shopping center.

Houston -- Francesca's Holdings Corp. fired its CFO Gene Morphis after an internal investigation found that he had “improperly” communicated company information through social media. The company said it began an investigation after discovering his activity on May 11.

Toronto -- Golf Town, Canada's largest specialty golf retailer, will acquire Golfsmith International Holdings Inc. for approximately $97.2 million. The Canadian company will pay $6.10 per share in cash, which represents a 30% premium over the Austin, Texas-based Golfsmith’s Friday closing stock price of $4.71.

Golfsmith operates 85 stores in the United States.