Apparel

New York City -- Developers Diversified Corp. announced the introduction of six new locations for teen fave Five Below in 2010. The stores were opened in Ohio; New Jersey; North Carolina; and New York.

Five Below currently operates over 100 discount stores across the country and intends to double its store count by the end of 2011 through a massive expansion spree.

Seattle -- Nordstrom plans to open a new Rack discount store next fall in the Portland suburb of Tigard, Ore.

The retailer said the new 45,000-sq.-ft. t store will open in Cascade Plaza in Tigard, about a mile away from a full-line Nordstrom store in the Washington Square shopping center.

Armonk, N.Y. -- IBM on Wednesday announced that the Bon-Ton Stores website and its seven leading brands have experienced a double-digit increase in their online sales using IBM software to advance their online and mobile commerce features.

By Andy Monshaw, [email protected]

Today's consumers are more informed, influential and decisive than ever before. They demand more from their retailers, both face-to-face and virtually. Those retailers that don’t get it right, risk losing not only their business, but also their endorsement -- with friends, family, and a whole host of online followers. Small to midsize retailers, especially, feel the pressure to find new ways to forge lasting relationships with customers.

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