Apparel

St. Petersburg, Fla. -- HSN announced Monday it has acquired lifestyle brand Chasing Fireflies. Terms of the transaction weren’t disclosed.

The purchase, which was made through the multichannel retailer’s Cornerstone Brands segment, will accelerate HSN’s move into content-driven lifestyle businesses.

Seattle -- Starbucks Coffee Co. said Tuesday that Google Offers and Banana Republic are joining with Starbucks and Opportunity Finance Network to support the Create Jobs for USA program.

The pair, which are the first businesses to join Starbucks in the initiative, will run special promotions and make donations in support of the program that is designed to raise money to put Americans back to work.

Indianapolis -- Mall owner Simon Property Group said Tuesday that Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th will anchor the company’s two new centers in development in its Premium Outlets division: Phoenix Premium Outlets and St. Louis Premium Outlets.

Phoenix Premium Outlets in Chandler, Ariz., is currently under construction with a spring 2013 opening planned. Phase 1 of the center will be comprised of 360,000 sq. ft. housing approximately 90 outlet stores featuring high-quality designer and name brands.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target has brought in someone with both advertising and retail experience to oversee its marketing efforts. The company announced that Jeffrey Jones, II has been named as the company’s EVP and chief marketing officer, effective immediately. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Consumers have a new incentive to shop at Express, with the launch of Express Next, a new points-based loyalty program open to all Express customers throughout the United States. It replaces the previous loyalty program that was only available to Express Credit Card holders, and is designed to meet the Express shopper's habits both in-store and online, as well as reward brand interaction via social media.

HOUSTON — Specialty apparel and accessories retailer Charming Charlie has appointed four retail executives as part of the ongoing development of the company’s internal structure and another step in its ongoing national expansion, including the opening of 60 retail locations in 2012.

SEATTLE — Recreational Equipment Inc. has promoted Bill Baumann and Brad Brown to SVP information technology, and e-commerce and direct sales respectively. In addition, Kathleen Peterson has been named VP REI Private Brands.

New York -- Swedish fast-fashion retailer Hennes & Mauritz (H&M) plans to call its new retail brand “& other stories” according to various media reports.

Redmond, Wash. -- REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.) promoted Bill Baumann and Brad Brown to senior VP information technology, and e-commerce and direct sales respectively.

In addition, Kathleen Peterson has been named VP of REI Private Brands.

Pleasanton, Calif. -- Ross Stores announced that Glen Boyer, previously VP real estate market research, has been named group VP real estate market research & property management.