Apparel

HONG KONG — Esprit Holdings' chairman has unexpectedly resigned, just one day after the sudden departure of CEO Ronald van der Vis.

Chairman Hans-Joachim Korber said he is leaving for personal reasons, while van der Vis’s reasons were described as “personal and family.” CFO Chew Fook Aun left the company on June 1.

London -- A report issued by C.B. Richard Ellis on Friday said that global shopping center development has reached unprecedented levels of construction and new openings, fueled by growing middle classes and retailer expansion.

According to the most recent research by CBRE, which measured shopping center development activity in 180 of the world’s major cities – including 2011 completions and space currently under construction – 318.6 million sq. ft. is currently under construction and about 84 million sq. ft. opened in 2011.

Hong Kong -- Esprit Holdings said Wednesday that its chairman has unexpectedly resigned, just one day after the sudden departure of CEO Ronald van der Vis.

Chairman Hans-Joachim Korber said he is leaving for personal reasons, while van der Vis’s reasons were described as “personal and family.” CFO Chew Fook Aun left the company on June 1.

Richmond, Va. -- Chattanooga, Tenn.-based CBL & Associates Properties said Thursday that Dick’s Sporting Goods will open a new store at Southpark Mall in Richmond, Va.

The existing Dillard’s location will be redeveloped into the new 56,000-sq.-ft. Dick’s store as well as a selection of specialty stores and restaurants. Construction is scheduled to begin in October with a grand opening slated for summer 2013.

New Orleans -- Costco Wholesale Corp. will enter the state of Louisiana with a 148,000-sq.-ft. store at Carrollton Plaza Shopping Center in New Orleans.

The new lease, announced by center owner The Feil Organization, will add Costco to a lineup of retailers that includes CVS, Firestone, Family Dollar and Subway.

Costco is slated to open spring 2013.

Montreal -- Aéropostale said Thursday that it is adding to its presence in Canada with the opening of its first store in Quebec, on June 15 at Place du Royaume in Ville de Saguenay.

The chain said that six more stores will open in 2012, including Place Laurier in Québec City, Fairview Pointe Claire in Point-Claire, Promenades St. Bruno in St. Bruno De Montarville, Galleria D'Anjou in Anjou, Mail Champlain in Brossard and Les Galeries de la Capitale in Québec City.

Merrimack, N.H. -- Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group said Thursday that it has opened Merrimack Premium Outlets, an upscale outlet shopping center serving the Greater Boston and Nashua markets.

WASHINGTON — After a surprisingly strong first quarter, consumers have slowed their spending in May, according to the latest report from the National Retail Federation. The NRF reported that May retail sales (excluding automobile, gas stations and restaurants) decreased 0.3%seasonally adjusted from April but increased 4.8% unadjusted year-over-year, marking 23 consecutive months of retail sales growth.