Apparel

QUINCY, Mass. - Retailer Work 'N Gear announced that it has teamed up with Sears and Kmart to launch America's first "store-within-a store" concept for healthcare fashions in select locations in six markets.

Called "Scrubology", the retail concept feature approximately 600 to 1,500 sq. ft. of space within Sears and Kmart stores, dedicated to the uniform needs of professionals who work as doctors, nurses, veterinarians, lab technicians and more.

According to a new survey from customer intelligence firm, Market Force Information, The Children's Place is consumers' top pick for young children's (10 and younger) apparel when the votes are indexed for the number of stores. The Children's Place earned 17% of the votes, while Gymboree ranked second (13%), and Kohl's and Carter's tied for third with 12%. For children 11 and older, Aeropostale was ranked favorite retailer with 17% of the votes, followed closely by Kohl's (16%) and then Old Navy (10%).

The willingness of discount-store shoppers to pay a premium for products with a celebrity connection will be put to the test next week when the new line of William Rast apparel hits Target stores. The line includes premium denim, leather and outerwear items with prices beginning at $16.99 and extending all the way to the department store territory of $199.99. The limited duration merchandising initiative is due to hit stores on Dec.19 and runs through Jan. 22.

BOSTON - A recent survey regarding memorable product launches in 2010 found that -- not surprisingly -- the Apple iPad secured the number-one spot. At number two was Windows 7, followed by Pretzel M&Ms at number three, Motorola Droid at number four and McDonald's Smoothies rounding out the top five.

Washington – After a solid start to the holiday season, the National Retail Federation announced that it is revising its holiday forecast to 3.3%, up from 2.3%. The upward revision is due to improvement in a variety of economic indicators including stock market gains, recent income growth, savings built up during the recession - all giving consumers the capacity to spend.  

Atlanta -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said Tuesday it has leased more than 23,500 sq. ft. of retail and restaurant space for seven new merchant locations in the Atlanta metro market.

According to Andre Koleszar, Regency Centers’ VP and regional officer, Atlanta-area retail business is getting stronger. “We’ve seen leasing activity recovering and retailers are attracted to shopping centers in prime locations with a merchandising mix that attracts upscale customers, ” he said.

Making your NRF Show plans? Don’t forget to allow yourself time to check out the Big Apple’s exciting retail scene. Here’ s a quick hit list of the city’s newest retail stars:

Washington, D.C. -- Tuesday’s report by the U.S. Department of Commerce showed a fifth straight month of sales gains in November for U.S. retailers. Monthly retail sales figures for November were up 0.8% over October and 7.7% over November 2009.

Retail sales excluding auto sales were up 1.2% over the previous month and 6.7% over November 2009.

Department stores were the big November winners, recording the biggest sales rise in two years of 2.8%.

Seattle -- Retail design firm Callison said Tuesday it has added Shawn Rush as associate principal in the company’s Seattle office.

Rush, a LEED AP, will focus on business development in the Global Retail studio, which includes national accounts and workplace interiors. Her role also consists of identifying developing trends and targeting market opportunities for Callison’s domestic offices.

Plano, Texas -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said it has leased retail space in Plano, Texas, at Preston Park Village to Toni & Guy.

The hair, skin and nail salon will open a 1,690-sq.-ft. location in January 2011.

The 239,333-sq.-ft. shopping center is anchored by a 53,118-sq.-ft. Tom Thumb alongside national retailers Panera Bread, Williams Sonoma, Ann Taylor and The UPS Store.