Apparel

Geneva, Ill. -- Oakbrook Terrace, Ill.-based Mid-America Asset Management said that Five Guys Burgers and Fries recently signed a lease for 2,158 sq. ft. at Geneva Commons in Geneva, Ill., a western suburb of Chicago.

The new restaurant will open at the 437,650-sq.-ft. lifestyle center in the spring.

In other Geneva Commons news, the following retailers recently renewed their leases at the lifestyle center: Chicago Home Fitness, Francesca's Collections, Kay Jewelers, Learning Express and Stride Rite.
 

West Chester, Ohio -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said it has begun construction to renovate Beckett Commons shopping center, located in West Chester, Ohio.

The center remodel will include demising vacant space into six additional side shop spaces, new exterior façade and awnings, upgraded signage, new roof and HVAC units.

VENTURA, Calif. -- The apparel industry has come together to form a coalition dedicated to reducing the environmental and social impacts of apparel and footwear products sold around the world. According to a press release, the group, to be known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition will consist of leading apparel and footwear brands, retailers, manufacturers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academic experts and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  

TOPEKA, Kan. -- Earlier today, Retailing Today reported that several apparel and footwear industry heavyweights were teaming up to promote best practices in sustainability, and now Payless has announced that it will support eco-model and Payless brand partner Summer Rayne Oakes who will wear the same little black dress throughout the month of March.

New York City -- Shareholders of J.Crew Group have approved a $3 billion deal to be taken private by two investment firms.

The $43.50-per-share buyout by private-equity firms TPG Capital and Leonard Green & Partners is expected to close on or near next Monday. J. Crew CEO Millard (Mickey) Drexler will remain with the company.

South Bend, Ind. -- Indianapolis-based Kite Realty Group announced that Urban Outfitters will open at Eddy Street Commons at Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind.

The retailer has leased 8,627 sq. ft. and is part of a newly developed mixed-use development that consists of a large book store, hotel, several unique restaurants and other apparel stores.

Urban Outfitters is scheduled to open late this summer.

Retailer demand for new locations is up across the board, according to ChainLinks Retail Advisors’ just-released National Retailer and Restaurant Expansion Guide. The report details the current expansion plans for hundreds of the largest U.S. retail and restaurant chains.

“As 2010 came to a close, growth plans were up 30% from the levels we recorded last year,” said ChainLinks’ research director, Garrick Brown,/ Right now, expansion plans are up 40% over last year’s levels.”

New York City -- Retailer demand for new locations is up across the board, according to ChainLinks Retail Advisors’ just-released National Retailer and Restaurant Expansion Guide. The report details the current expansion plans for hundreds of the largest U.S. retail and restaurant chains.

By Jason S. Baker

SEATTLE -- Disney Consumer Products has partnered with Nordstrom to launch a new line of children's apparel, accessories and footwear in honor of the 45th anniversary of the "it's a small world" attraction at Disneyland.