Apparel

Boynton Beach, Fla. -- Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group said that Darren Shepherd has been named general manager of its Boynton Beach Mall property.

In his new position, Shepherd will be responsible for overseeing operations, customer relations, retail development and security for the mall.

New York City -- Winick Realty Group LLC said that jewelry and accessory retailer Laila Rowe has leased its first downtown Manhattan location at 99 Wall Street, between Front Street and Water Street.

Laila Rowe currently has 17 retail stores on the East Coast.

The 520-sq.-ft. space is on the ground floor and includes a partial basement.

HOUSTON  -- The Men's Wearhouse announced that Grace Nichols has been elected to the company's board of directors, effective January 30, increasing the number of directors to nine.

North Plainfield, N.J. -- A survey released Friday by Levin Management Corp. said that he majority of shopping center tenants are optimistic about the year ahead.

According to the real estate firm’s pre- and post-holiday survey of Northeastern retailers, 61.5% of respondents were positive about 2011, and 52.2% of respondents said holiday sales topped or equaled 2009

Newport Beach, Calif. -- Grubb & Ellis Co. said Friday that H&M has leased 19,600 sq. ft. of retail space at The Forum in Carlsbad. 

The retailer signed a 10-year lease for the space, which includes a portion of the second level of The Forum. The company will take the majority of the space currently occupied by Borders Direct LLC, which is expected to vacate in spring 2011. 

The retailer, which plans to open its Carlsbad location in summer 2011, now has 2,200 stores in 38 countries.

New York City -- Real estate firm The Feil Organization announced Friday that Tommy Bahama has signed a groundbreaking lease for the opening of its first Manhattan store at 551 First Avenue at 45th Street.

The Seattle-based chain signed a 12-year lease agreement and will occupy 8,500 sq. ft. on the ground, mezzanine and basement levels of the renowned art deco Fred F. French building that is owned and managed by The Feil Organization.

Houston -- The Men's Wearhouse said Friday it has elected former Victoria's Secret Stores CEO Grace Nichols to its board of directors.

The appointment is effective Jan. 30.

Nichols will be the ninth member of the company's board. She worked at Limited Brands for 20 years and was CEO of Victoria's Secret Stores from 1992 to 2007. Nichols is also on the boards of Pacific Sunwear of California and of New York & Co.

Cincinnati -- A survey released Thursday by Cintas Corp. found that 99% of U.S. adults say poor cleanliness negatively impacts their perception of a retail store.

In the telephone survey conducted by Harris Interactive among more than 1,000 U.S. adults ages 18 and older, respondents said that dirty restrooms and unpleasant odors are more annoying than poor customer service.

New York City -- New York & Co. announced on Wednesday the appointment of David Witkewicz to executive VP design, effective this month.

Witkewicz will report to Greg Scott, president, and will serve on the company’s executive committee.

Witkewicz was previously VP design for Coach.

New York City -- Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th announced that it plans to open a store at the Tuscany Place Designer Outlets, a new, upscale pedestrian-friendly lifestyle outlet development in Madison, Miss.

The center and the Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th store are expected to open in the spring of 2012.

"We look forward to opening our first Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th store in Mississippi where the temperate climate allows for year round shopping," noted Robert Wallstrom, president of Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th.