Apparel

Morrisville, N.C. -- The Kalikow Group, on behalf of KEP Morrisville Realty and EYC Cos., said that Grace Park, a mixed-use development featuring 90,000 sq. ft. of ground-floor and outparcel retail space, as well as 180 residences, is nearing 100% occupancy with the addition of four new tenants.

Trali Irish Pub, leased 4,100 sq. ft. at the Morrisville, N.C. property, and Health Station will occupy 1,500 sq. ft.  Ladders Teaching Supply is opening a 1,500-sq.-ft. store and Italian restaurant Mare leased 3,200 sq. ft.

CHICAGO — Icing, the jewelry and accessories brand founded by Claire's in 1996, is about to get a branding makeover.

The new branding program includes an updated store design, new brand visual identity, modernized logo and the brand's first ever e-commerce enabled website. The brand seeks to establish itself as a destination for fashionable jewelry, accessories and expert style advice for young women ages 18 and older.

Tokyo, Japan -- Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group said that, in partnership with Mitsubishi Estate Co., it has opened Shisui Premium Outlets (Shisui Town, Inba District, Chiba Prefecture), the ninth Premium Outlet Center in Japan.
 

New York -- Children’s apparel retailer Carter’s has celebrated the grand opening of its newest New York store at The Shops at SkyView Center in Flushing, Queens.

Located on Level B across from Chuck E. Cheese’s, Carter’s held an official ribbon cutting ceremony to formally launch the new space.

Walmart and other retailers are facing renewed criticism over their global sourcing practices following another factory disaster in Bangladesh.

Reuters is reporting that a block of garment factories and shops collapsed in Savar, 20 miles outside Dhaka, on Wednesday, killing 251 people and injuring more than a thousand. According to the report, an unknown number of the more than 3,000 people who work at the factory remain trapped inside. For more information, go to:

SECAUCUS, N.J. — Children's Place CFO Michael Scarpa has added COO to his credentials. Scarpa, who oversees finance, information technology, distribution, logistics and wholesale, will add store operations, store development and international to his responsibilities. Scarpa will continue to report to president and CEO Jane Elfers.

Secaucus, N.J. -- The Children's Place said Wednesday that current CFO Michael Scarpa has also been appointed COO, effective immediately.

Scarpa will continue to oversee finance, information technology, distribution, logistics and wholesale, and will add store operations, store development and international to his current responsibilities.

Prior to joining The Children's Place, Scarpa was COO and CFO of The Talbots.

NEW YORK — The Jones Group Inc. plans to close 170 under-performing stores in the U.S. by mid-2014 as part of its efforts to shore up profitability.

The stores identified for closure include 50 units previously announced in the fourth quarter.

Jones, which owns the Nine West, Jones New York and Anne Klein banners among others, will emerge from the restructuring with a higher percentage of outlet stores in its portfolio, and some units will be converted to more viable sister banners.