Apparel

Chicago -- The first of Target’s smaller-format CityTarget urban stores are slated to open on July 25 in Chicago, Los Angeles and Seattle.

Two years in the making, the smaller stores will feature broad offerings in a space two-thirds the size of a regular Target store – or 80,000 sq. ft. to 100,000 sq. ft., compared with 135,000 sq. ft. to 175,000 sq. ft.

Niles, Ohio -- Youngstown, Ohio-based Cafaro Co. said that The Children’s Place will open a new store in the Dillard’s Concourse of Eastwood Mall, in Niles, Ohio.

The new store is slated to open November 2012 in more than 3,500 sq. ft. of space.  

Retailers should brace for strong back-to-school sales according to a National Retail Federation survey that shows a surge in K-through-12 and college spending.

Armonk, N.Y. – In-store sales of women’s clothing are expected to see a 9.2% increase in the third quarter of 2012 versus the year-ago period, according to a just-released IBM analytics-based forecast of U.S. retail sales data. The report predicts a 6.2% increase in sales of children’s clothing and a 5.2% increase in footwear. Men’s clothing, however, is forecast to lag, dropping 6.7%.

PLANO, Texas — JCPenney has enlisted the services of Nina Garcia, a well-known fashion expert to help the company become more of a style destination. Garcia, who serves as fashion director of Marie Claire and as a judge on the fashion reality show, "Project Runway," will serve as the company's resident style voice and fashion collection curator.

New York -- Ralph Lauren Corp. said CFO Tracey Travis has resigned to pursue other interests.

Robert Madore, senior VP finance, will assume the role on an interim basis, effective July 30, the company said in a regulatory filing.
 

Frank Rescigna is the new president of worldwide licensing at Guess? Inc.

In his new role Rescinga will report to Guess CEO and co-founder Paul Marciano. Rescinga previously served as president of Viva, a Guess eyewear licensee.

New York -- The Deloitte Consumer Spending Index (Index) posted its fourth consecutive increase in June, rising to 3.22 from a reading of 3.09 the previous month. The Index, which tracks consumer cash flow as an indicator of future consumer spending, is comprised of four components: tax burden, initial unemployment claims, real wages and real home prices.