Apparel

By Dan McKone

We are often asked for the “secret sauce” behind a successful loyalty program and whether we can provide a blueprint that can help retailers optimize their approach. In answer, there is no single generic “ideal program” -- the retailer-customer relationship is far too complex to dumb down in this way. The best program for one retailer may be absolutely the wrong plan-of-attack for another, depending on their starting points in terms of:

1. The depth and breadth of the customer relationship;

San Francisco -- The Gymboree Corp. reported Monday that net income for the quarter ended Oct. 30 dipped slightly to $34.4 million, compared with net income of $34.8 million in the year-ago quarter.

Revenue increased 4% to $280.9 million, compared with $269.1 million in the prior year. 

Same-store sales decreased 4%.

Washington, D.C. -- A report released Monday by the Commerce Department said that retail sales beat expectations for October, climbing 1.2% and representing the biggest gain since March.

The 1.2% rise in October purchases followed a 0.7% gain in September, which also was larger than estimated.

Atlanta -- Midwest department store operator Von Maur will enter the Atlanta market, taking over a fomer Belk’s space at North Point Mall in Alpharetta, Ga., pending approval by the city's design review board, Atlanta Business News reported.

Plano, Texas -- J.C. Penney reported a better-than-expected increase in third-quarter profit Friday, crediting controlled costs and positive response to its newest exclusive brands, which include Liz Claiborne and MNG by Mango, and its Sephora in-store cosmetic boutiques.

The chain posted a profit of $44 million in the period ended Oct. 30, compared with $27 million a year ago. Total sales increased 0.2% to $4.19 billion, up from $4.18 billion in the third quarter last year. Same-store sales rose 1.9%.

Portland, Texas  -- Hibbit Sports has opened a 4,000-sq.-ft. store at Northshore Plaza, in Portland, Texas.

The shopping center is owned by New York City-based Centro Properties Group.

Beachwood, Ohio -- Developers Diversified Realty Corp. announced that the company's joint venture in Brazil, Sonae Sierra Brasil, has opened a nearly 60,000-sq.-ft. expansion at Parque Dom Pedro Shopping, now a 1.3 million-sq.-ft. enclosed mall in Campinas, Brazil.

Charlotte, N.C. -- Columbia, S.C.-based Edens & Avant announced that Atherton Mill and Market will soon welcome several new tenants.

Vin Master will open a 1,661-sq.-ft. wine concept retail store at Atherton Mill. In addition to its permanent retail location in Atherton Mill, Vin Master will also become the first permanent vendor at the Atherton Farmers Market, located at the center.

Vin Master will open in first quarter 2011.

Miramar Beach, Fla. -- New Balance announced that it opened its first factory store in Northwest Florida at Silver Sands Factory Stores on Thursday.

The 4,825-sq.-ft. store offers New Balance shoes and apparel for women, men and children. New Balance Factory Store is located near Swarovski at the east part of the center.

“We chose Silver Sands because we wanted to open in a high-performing center that has a great portfolio of brands,” said Stephen Dix, general manager of retail operations for New Balance.