Apparel

NEW YORK — Ann Inc. reported total net sales for the quarter of $575 million, a 2.5% increase from $560 million in the first quarter ended May 4.

By brand, net sales across all channels of the Ann Taylor brand totaled $219 million for the quarter, a nearly 4% increase from $212 million in the first quarter of 2012. At the Loft brand, net sales across all channels were $355 million for the quarter, a 2% increase $348 million in the first quarter of 2012.

Atlanta -- Jones Lang LaSalle has announced that it has closed the sale of Tifton Corners in Tifton, Ga., to Tifton Retail. JLL represented RCG Ventures in the transaction.

Anchors at the 186,629-sq.-ft. Tifton Corners include Big Lots, Save A Lot, Tractor Supply Co., Dollar Tree, Citi Trends and Hibbett Sports. The property is currently 84% leased.

JLL noted that Tifton is near I-75, a major north-south interstate, in south central Ga., two hours north of Tallahassee and three hours south of Atlanta.

Washington, D.C. -- Los Angeles, New York and Chicago top the list of the cities with the highest organized retail crime activity, with Miami and Atanta rounding out the top five, according to a study by the National Retail Federation.

The NRF’s ninth annual Organized Retail Crime (ORC) Survey found that while organized crime has inched down slightly, it remains widespread. Over 90% (93.5%) of retailers said they had been a victim of organized retail crime during the past year, down from 96% the prior year.

Dallas -- Regency Centers Corp. has closed on an off-market acquisition of Preston Oaks, a 103,503-sq.-ft. infill neighborhood center anchored by H-E-B Central Market. National retailers include Gap, Pier 1 Imports and White House Black Market.

Located in the Preston Hollow neighborhood of Dallas, Preston Oaks serves a market of 109,000 within a three-mile radius. Average household income is $144,000. The market’s population swells to 118,000 during the day.

Vineland, N.J. -- Ulta Beauty will open a new superstore  this fall at Cumberland Mall in Vineland, N.J. The 10,500-sq.-ft. store will feature a full-service salon as part of its offerings.

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

Suffern, N.Y. -- Ascena Retail Group Inc. reported its fiscal third-quarter net income dropped nearly 37% amid costs related to its acquisition of Charming Shoppes and a charge tied to debt extinguishment. The chain also lowered its full-year earnings forecast.

Net income slipped to $31.2 million for the quarter that ended April 27, from $49.4 million in the same quarter a year ago.

Revenue rose nearly 46% to $1.14 billion, boosted by the company’s acquisitions of the Lane Bryant and Catherines chains. Same-store sales fell 4%.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Linens and ladies’ casual and career sportswear buoyed Stein Mart’s total sales for May. The company reported total sales of $107.3 million for the month, an increase of 3.6% from $103.6 million for May last year. 

Comparable store sales increased 8.2%.

Atlanta -- Jones Lang LaSalle has announced that its retail group, in an exclusive deal, will lease and manage Shenandoah Plaza in Newnan, Ga. Anchoring the 146,121-sq.-ft. property are Big Lots, Rent-A-Center and Goodwill.

The property is currently 100% occupied. John Bemis, southeast retail market lead, and Janine Christian, senior VP, will direct JLL’s team on the assignment.