Apparel

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- DSW Inc. announced the appointment of Christopher Lanning as SVP general manager of the leased business division.  Lanning will be responsible for managing DSW's existing leased business client base and developing new account relationships.

BURBANK, Calif. -- Warner Bros. Consumer Products announced that it is teaming up with a leading group of global licensees at Toy Fair in support of the Summer 2011 blockbuster film, Green Lantern, highlighted by DC Entertainment's master licensee, Mattel.  The June 17 release of Green Lantern from Warner Bros. Pictures, marks the live-action theatrical debut for the legendary comic super hero, the company reported.

Indio, Calif. -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said it has signed a lease and begun construction on a new Toys “R” Us/Babies “R” Us store at Indio Towne Center in Indio, Calif.

The 46,827-sq.-ft. location will replace the retailer’s store in Palm Desert and become its only location in Southern California’s Coachella Valley.

Hackettstown, N.J. -- Purchase, N.Y.-based National Realty & Development Corp. said that Party City has leased 15,000 sq. ft. at Mansfield Commons, located in Hackettstown, N.J.

The 283,000-sq.-ft. shopping center is anchored by a recently expanded Walmart and Kohl’s.

Charlotte, N.C. -- Crosland has announced new openings and tenant signings at various third-party managed and leased retail centers throughout the Charlotte, N.C., area.

Ruby’s Gift opened a 1,323-sq.-ft. store at Colony Shops in early December, the retailer’s third Charlotte location.

Om Spa Chiropractic & Wellness is relocating its business from The Arlington to the newly renovated The Villa shopping center, and is slated to open the 3,048-sq.-ft. facility in January.

York, Pa. -- The Bon-Ton Stores said Monday that it has extended president and CEO Bud Bergren's contract through Feb. 5, 2012, and has promoted Barbara Schrantz to COO.

Under the newly announced agreement, Bergren's contract will automatically renew annually, unless the board chooses otherwise. Schrantz will assume the role of COO on Jan. 30. She is currently executive VP sales promotion and marketing.

Columbus, Ohio -- DSW said Monday it has appointed Christopher Lanning as senior VP and general manager of the retailer’s Leased Business Division.

Lanning will be responsible for managing DSW's existing leased business client base and developing new account relationships. DSW currently operates 353 shoe departments in conjunction with leased business partners, which include Steinmart, Gordmans, Filene's Basement and Frugal Fannie's.

New York City -- Coach reported Tuesday that net income for the quarter ended Jan. 1 rose a better-than-expected 26% to $303.4 million on strong sales, compared with $240.1 million in the year-ago period.

The company credited a rebound in U.S. luxury spending, as well as soaring holiday sales in China for the strong performance.

Sales leaped 18.7% to $1.26 billion, boosted by a same-store sales increase of 12.6% in North America.

On average, Wall Street expected revenue of $1.21 billion.

SANDPOINT, Idaho – Coldwater Creek has named a new president and chief merchandising officer.

Jill Brown Dean will replace Georgia Shonk Simmons, who announced her intention to retire.

Dean, who most recently served as president of Limited Too's tween brands division, will join the apparel brand on Feb. 14.

In related news, Jerome Jessup, currently EVP, creative director at the brand, was promoted to president and chief creative officer.

LOS ANGELES — IBISWorld predicted Valentine's Day will boost retail sales in a new report.

The independent market and research firm said that consumers are expected to spend 5.8% more on Valentine’s Day purchases this year than last year, totaling $18.6 billion, or about $125 per person.

Big gains will be seen across all categories. Jewelry is expected to see an 11.3% boost, greeting cards and candy are projected to grow 4.9% and 5.1%, respectively, and clothing and lingerie should see a 3.4% rise.