Apparel

Houston -- Centro Properties Group said Tuesday that Fashion Metro has opened a 9,810-sq.-ft. store at Northtown Plaza, in Houston.

Centro Properties Group, based in New York City, owns Northtown Plaza.

Pleasant Hill, Calif. -- X Team International said Tuesday that Walnut Creek, Calif.-based partner John Cumbelich & Associates arranged the sale of Downtown Pleasant Hill, a 345,687-sq.-ft. community shopping center in Pleasant Hill, Calif.

Downtown Pleasant Hill is anchored by Century Theatres, Lucky Supermarket, Bed Bath & Beyond, Ross Dress For Less, Michaels and Borders.

The buyer was Walnut Creek-based Loja Group, and the seller was a joint venture between Prudential and Developers Diversified Realty.

Wilmington, Del. -- Philadelphia-based Michael Salove Co., an X Team partner, said Tuesday it has completed a lease transaction with Aarron’s Furniture Rentals at Christina Crossing, located in Wilmington, Del.

Aarron’s will occupy 6,705 sq. ft. and is slated to open March 2011. Existing tenants include Shop Rite, Wine & Spirits, Cricket Wireless, Hibachi Sushi and Supreme Buffet.

Greenville, S.C. -- Charlotte, N.C.-based Crosland said Wednesday that three new retailers have opened at The Shops at Greenridge, in Greenville, S.C.

Relax the Back opened a 2,363-sq.-ft. store adjacent to P.F. Chang’s, Polished opened a 1,581-sq.-ft. nail studio, and buybuy Baby opened a 28,978-sq.-ft. anchor store in September.

Austin, Minn. -- Centro Properties Group said Tuesday that Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts has opened a 15,000-sq.-ft. store at Austin Town Center, in Austin, Minn. 

Austin Town Center is owned by Centro Properties Group, based in New York City.

By Cynthia Cohen, twitter.com/StrategyDiva

Washington, D.C. -- Columbia, S.C.-based Edens & Avant said Tuesday that its mixed-use development Mosaic, located in Washington, D.C., has achieved Silver Certification as a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for Neighborhood Development Plan.

Bensalem, Pa. -- Charming Shoppes reported a smaller loss for its third fiscal quarter on Wednesday, helped by lower operating expenses and competitive promotions that attracted customers. The chain posted a net loss of $18.8 million for the period ended Oct. 30, compared with a loss of $48.4 million, in the prior-year period.

Revenue increased 1% to $463.6 million from $460.2 million, with online sales up 40%. Same-store sales rose 3%.
 

New York City -- Juicy Couture’s store on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan has been temporarily closed due to the discovery of bed bugs.

“Like other major retailers recently impacted by this issue, we are moving swiftly and aggressively to address the problem. We expect the store to re-open later this week,” the company said in a statement. “The people who shop and work at the store are our top priority and we are taking all necessary precautions.”

Hampstead, Md. -- Jos. A. Banks posted a profit of $12.6 million during the fiscal 2010 third quarter ended Oct. 30, compared with a profit of $11.7 million in the year age period. It was the 36th quarter out of the past 37 with earnings growth compared with prior year periods.

Revenue increased 7.4% to $173.3 million from $161.3 million a year ago. Same-store sales increased 3% in the quarter.

Both earnings and sales trailed analysts’ estimates.