Apparel

Any early skepticism about the longevity of mixed-use has been silenced. The art of combining components to create a live-work-play project has evolved into a science. And those that have become particularly adept at building, leasing and managing mixed-use properties say that the right formula makes for a successful development. 
Chain Store Age talked with three top developers of mixed-use projects and uncovered several trends that are governing, and continuing to evolve, the format.


Trend #1: Adding local flavor 


Atlanta -- U.S. prosecutors have charged former Carter’s senior VP Joseph Elles with securities fraud, according to a report by the Associated Press.

Elles has been accused of lying about the company's financial situation and then selling shares of its stock when the price was artificially inflated.

Target’s website was among the 50 most heavily trafficked U.S. web properties during August, according to comScore Media Metrix. The online measurement service showed Target.com with 26.5 million unique visitors for the month, which earned it the 46th position on the list.

New York City -- Jesta I.S. announced that shoe retailer Town Shoes Ltd. has implemented Jesta’s Vision Suite in a pilot store. The Canadian chain is using Jesta's Vision Mobile-Operations module to complete “in-the-aisle” stock transfers for improved customer service.

New York City -- Retailers should expect small gains in 2011 holiday sales, Deloitte forecast on Monday. The company’s retail & distribution practice expects total holiday sales to reach between $873 and $877 billion, representing a 2.5 to 3% increase over last season.

Savannah, Ga. -- Citi Trends said Friday that it would cut jobs and open fewer stores than it planned in an effort to save money after losing $10 million in the second quarter. The company said it would open new stores only where it had already made commitments, resulting in about 55 new locations in 2011 and five in 2012.

The company also said it would cut 40 jobs at its stores, distribution centers and corporate offices in Savannah, Ga.

Chattanooga, Tenn. -- CBL & Associates Properties said Thursday that it has agreed to acquire Northgate Mall in CBL’s hometown of Chattanooga, for $11.5 million in cash.

The mall was listed for sale through an online auction. CBL anticipates closing on the transaction by Oct. 6.

Voorhees, N.J. -- Philadelphia-based Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust announced Thursday that the Rizzieri School for the Healing Arts has opened at Voorhees Town Center on the Town Center Boulevard.

The school is an expansion of the current Rizzieri Studio Salon and Rizzieri Aveda School for Beauty & Wellness.