Apparel

MINNEAPOLIS — The unexpected announcement that Target EVP and CFO Doug Scovanner will retire on March 31, 2012 has investors speculating about the reasons for his departure following the recent exit of other key executives.

Analysts at Bernstein Research pointed to the fact that no successor has been named, suggesting that the retirement was not a long planned for event. However, the firm said it believes that despite the unexpected news, this appears to be a true retirement and doesn't anticipate seeing Scovanner in a CFO role at another major company.

Chicago -- A report released Tuesday by retail foot traffic counter ShopperTrak identified the 10 holiday shopping days that will make or break the period for retailers.

“Since Christmas falls on different calendar days each year, the shift impacts which days are the busiest,” said ShopperTrak co-founder Bill Martin. “Some change in ranking or drop off completely.”

New York City -- RCS Real Estate Advisors said Tuesday it has been retained by bridal retailer Priscilla of Boston to facilitate the closing of its business.

According to Ivan L. Friedman, president and CEO of RCS, the company will facilitate the closing of all 20 Priscilla of Boston locations, effective Dec. 31, by negotiating cost-effective lease terminations or locating replacement tenants.

Priscilla of Boston announced its closing in early September.
 

York, Pa. -- As part of a real estate realignment strategy, The Bon-Ton Stores Inc. on Tuesday said it will close two of its department stores, one in Pennsylvania and the other in Ohio, when their leases expire in early 2012.

The company said it plans to close its store in the West Manchester Mall in York, Pa., in January, and its Elder-Beerman store in the Northwest Mall in Dayton, Ohio, which will shut down in February.

New York City -- New York & Co. said Tuesday it has launched its debut Facebook sweepstakes campaign, which it will promote through multiple social media outlets.

The promotion, which runs Nov. 1 – Nov. 16, utilizes email, in-store signage, Facebook and Twitter, and awards a sweepstakes winner a trip for two to New York City, as well as provides gift cards to runners up.
 

Savannah, Ga. -- Brixmor Property Group announced Tuesday a 4,800-sq.-ft. lease has been executed with Shoe Show at Victory Square, located in Savannah, Ga.

Brixmor, based in New York City, is the owner of Victory Square.
 

Baltimore -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers announced that it it has leased 10,774 sq. ft. of retail space to four new tenants at Festival at Woodholme, located in Baltimore.

Indianapolis -- Kite Realty Group said that The Flying Cupcake has leased 856 sq. ft. at Rivers Edge Shopping Center, located in Indianapolis.

Rivers Edge, recently renovated, is anchored by Nordstrom Rack, Buy Buy Baby, The Container Store, Harry & Izzy’s and soon Arhaus Furniture. The total GLA is 152,575 sq. ft.

New York City -- Winick Realty Group said Tuesday that Maurice Badler Fine Jewelry has signed a long-term lease for its 954-sq.-ft. flagship store at 485 Park Avenue, between 58th and 59th Streets on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

The new store is scheduled to open in early November.
 

Has anyone else noticed that the Christmas holiday “season” starts earlier and earlier each year? This year, Walmart had their Christmas displays out by mid-September and many retailers were touting holiday sales in October! I still remember when Black Friday was the “official” kick-off to the holiday shopping season and it was surprising to see Christmas decorations up in mid-November. I keep wondering what the real-world implications of this calendar shift might mean – if anything – for retailers’ overall holiday and end-of-year sales?