Apparel

DALLAS — Celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe has designed an exclusive collection of vintage-inspired costume jewelry for Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. The collection consists of statement rings, cuffs, necklaces, and earrings.

New York -- J.C. Penney chairman and CEO Ron Johnson on Monday sent out an email to the chain’s customers  detailing how it is returning to the pricing policies its founder James Cash Penney intended.

"While you will see many changes, you can rest assured that we'll never lose sight of our founder's values," Johnson wrote. "When James Cash Penney built his first retail stores over a century ago, he called them 'The Golden Rule,' because treating customers with respect was his highest priority."

New York -- Samsonite International is acquiring high-end luggage and leather goods firm Hartmann from Clarion Capital Partners for $35 million.

“The Hartmann brand is an important addition to our portfolio and gives us the ability to successfully expand our presence in the global luxury luggage section,” stated Tim Parker, chairman and CEO, Samsonite.
 

MINNEAPOLIS — July same-store sales at Target increased 3.1%, in line with the company’s guidance.

Target credited an increase in average transaction size as the primary driver of a 3.1% same-store sales increase during the July reporting period. An increase in the number of transactions also contributed to a 3.1% gain that was in-line with the company’s guidance for a low to mid single digit increase on top of a July 2011 increase of 4.1%.

Denver -- The majority of consumers are being budget-smart about back-to-school shopping. Not only are they seeking out the best prices, but they’re also shopping early – 48% of shoppers polled said they were beginning their shopping a month before the first bell rings, according to a back-to-school shopping report by ShopAtHome.com, the coupon search engine. The report, which tracks consumer search habits on the site, also shows that 42% of consumers will shop more generic brands than last year.

Barnegat, N.J. -- North Plainfield, N.J.-based Levin Management Corp. said that Big Lots is slated to open a new anchor store at Bayshore Plaza in Barnegat, N.J., in August.

The 31,612-sq.-ft. store will fill a space formerly occupied by A&P.

Additional tenants include McDonald’s, AT&T Wireless, Barnegat Pharmacy, and a mix of local restaurants and services.

Levin serves as leasing and managing agent for Bayshore Plaza.
 

Newark, Calif. -- NewPark Mall in Newark, Calif., announced the upcoming addition of two new food court eateries: Taqueria La Tita and Crepe Bar are slated to open in August. Taqueria La Tita will open in 613 sq. ft. and La Crepe will measure 666 sq. ft.

NewPark Mall is anchored by Macy's, Sears, J.C. Penney and Burlington Coat Factory.
 

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Body Central Corp., which operates 258 stores under the Body Shop and Body Central banners, reported Thursday that net income for the second quarter dropped to $3.4 million, from $5.3 million in the year-ago period.

Revenues climbed 6.3% to $79.4 million, and same-store sales decreased 7.6%.

The company opened 15 new stores and closed one during the second quarter.