Apparel

Savannah, Ga. -- Citi Trends said Thursday that its president and CEO David Alexander has resigned the company, effective immediately, and will be replaced by prior CEO Ed Anderson, who led the retailer from 2001 to 2009.

Anderson is currently the chairman of the board and will continue to serve in that capacity.

The company also announced that it has hired Jason Mazzola as executive VP and chief merchandising officer. He was previously chief merchandising officer for an internet flash sales company.
 

Washington, D.C. -- Survey results released Thursday by the Retail Advertising and Marketing Association, and conducted by BIGinsight, found that 173 million people will watch the Super Bowl football game on Sunday, Feb. 5, the most in the survey’s eight-year history and up from an estimated 171 million last year.

Paris -- A Thursday report by the Wall Street Journal said that French retailer Carrefour SA may hire French apparel group chief Georges Plassat to replace current CEO Lars Olofsson. WSJ cited unnamed sources close to the situation.

According to the report, Plassat could replace Olofsson as early as next week.

Plassat is head of Vivarte SA, in which he is also a shareholder.

Carrefour and Vivarte have not commented on the matter.

Bensalem, Pa. -- Charming Shoppes has promoted Bryan Eshelman to executive VP, chief supply chain officer. Eshelman started with the chain in 2010 as senior VP operations.

Eshelman retains his previous duties of overseeing technology, logistics, technical design and quality assurance. His new responsibilities include directing the retailer’s global direct sourcing from buying offices in such locations as Hong Kong and India, and ensuring supply chain compliance with trade and customs regulations.

PLANO, Texas and NEW YORK — JCPenney announced that it has partnered with fashion designer Nanette Lepore to bring her first teen-focused line to its stores. Inspired by her teenage daughter, the line "l'amour nanette lepore" will be available exclusively at JCPenney and will debut as its own distinct shop beginning February 2013.

NEW YORK— The transformation of JCPenney into America’ favorite store will begin with dramatically simplified pricing strategy and promotional cadence supplemented by an improved product presentation that will allow the 110-year-old company to regain its personality with a new generation of shoppers, according to CEO Ron Johnson.

Roswell, Ga. -- On the heels of announcing its PGA Tour Superstore opening in Schaumburg, Ill., the company announced that Downers Grove will be the site for the second PGA Tour Superstore in the Chicago area.

New York City -- Apple stores around the world are pulling in an annual average of $4,709 sales per square foot, CNN Money reported.

While a handful of super-high-end luxury retailers with limited floor space in New York City and foreign capitols may do better, Apple’s numbers make it by far the most valuable chain in the United States. Apple’s closest chain competitor is Tiffany & Co., which garners an average of $2,974 per square foot, according to the report.