Apparel

While there still is not enough new shopping center construction to warrant a “Fastest-Growing Developers” ranking system — as Chain Store Age provided for 20 consecutive years, from 1989 to 2008 — progress continues to be made.

The retail industry arguably collects more data than other business segments, and this volume doubles every 18 months, making the prospect of “big data” very real. By adopting mobile business intelligence apps, retailers are harnessing this robust data set and putting decision-making in the hands of its front line of defense — store-level associates.

2014 marked progress in new development, particularly on the outlet front

After nearly a decade of stalled growth in the shopping center industry, 2014 finally saw progress being made on the new development front. While it’s true that much of the ground-up construction was of the outlet center ilk, the value sector wasn’t the only new-build push.

New York -- Prudential Douglas Elliman's Retail Group said it has orchestrated a long-term lease for the first Armani Junior standalone flagship in the United States at 1225 Madison Avenue, on the northeast corner at 88th Street in Manhattan.      

Neighboring retailers along the corridor include Brooks Brothers, Ankasa, Jacadi, Rachel Riley, J.Crew, Buckhouse, Jack Rogers, Joie, Koos, Intimacy, Ann Crabtree, Rose Pope Maternity and The Shoe Box.

Hingham, Mass. -- Talbots Inc.’s fourth-quarter loss widened to $53.2 million for the period ended Jan. 28, not as bad as analysts expected, compared to a loss  of $2.8 million in the year ago. Its results were pressured by restructuring and executive retirement costs, as well as increased mark-downs and promotions. The chain also forecast first-quarter revenue that missed analysts' expectations. Revenue for the quarter slipped 1% to $289.4 million from $292.6 million, but beat Wall Street's estimate of $267.9 million. Same-store sales were flat.

DALLAS — Neiman Marcus Group announced that Joshua Schulman has been appointed president of Bergdorf Goodman, effective May 7.

Schulman, 40, joins Neiman Marcus from Jimmy Choo where he was CEO. In this role, he oversaw the international expansion of the brand and the growth of jimmychoo.com. Prior to Jimmy Choo, Schulman was president, Kenneth Cole New York, and managing director, international strategic alliances, Gap Inc.

Simsbury, Conn. -- Charter Realty & Development said it has leased 23,500 sq. ft. to HomeGoods in Simsbury, Conn.

HomeGoods, a TJX banner, will be opening in Simsbury Commons Shopping Center in a former Borders location, joining Stop & Shop, Bed Bath & Beyond, Hoyt Cinema and Bob’s Store.

The 256,497-sq.-ft. center is owned by Columbia, S.C.-based EDENS.

Charter Realty & Development represents TJX Cos., including HomeGoods, T.J. Maxx and Marshalls, throughout the eastern half of the United States.

New York -- Lord & Taylor has opened an 80,000-sq.-ft. store in Ridge Hill center, Westchester, N.Y.

The store, which cost a reported $30 million to build, has a very contemporary look and spacious feel, with large Italian white tiles throughout.