Apparel

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Sears Holdings Corp. confirmed Thursday that John Goodman, its chief of apparel and home division, has resigned the company, effective immediately.

Goodman was hired two years ago as executive VP of apparel and home, charged with turning around the retailer’s clothing business. His departure, which Sears says happened last week, coincides with the Jan. 3 arrival of Ron Boire, the former Brookstone president and CEO, as executive VP and chief merchandising officer for Sears and Kmart brands.

Tokyo -- Fast Retailing Co., operator of the Uniqlo apparel chain, reported Thursday a net profit of $405.3 million for the first quarter, a 37% rise that the company said was due in large part to a change in accounting methods. Operating profit dipped 2.8%.

Sales gained 8.6% overall for the quarter, but the company has trimmed its full-year outlook as sales in its home market remained sluggish.

Fort Worth, Texas -- Edge Realty Partners announced several Sears concept planned openings in Texas. 

Sears Outlet leased a 30,577-sq.-ft. space in Ridgmar Town Square located in Fort Worth, Texas. Sears Appliance Showroom leased a 5,500-sq.-ft. space in Timber Creek Crossing in Dallas.

And Sears Outlet leased a 35,398-sq.-ft. space in Cottonwood Creek Village Shopping Center located in Allen, Texas.
 

Woodstock, Ga. -- Chattanooga, Tenn.-based CBL & Associates Properties and Norton Shores, Mich.-based Horizon Group Properties announced a 75/25 joint venture to develop The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta in Atlanta (Woodstock), Ga.

Menomonee Falls, Wis. -- Kohl's Corp. said Thursday it is doubling the size of its design office in New York City, as well as adding its first design studio on the West Coast, in Santa Monica, Calif.

The move, said the company, represents a commitment to its exclusive brands.

"The investment reinforces our commitment to offering world-class brands at compelling value to our customers," said Kevin Mansell, Kohl's chairman, president and CEO, in a statement.

NEW YORK — Although online sales grew 15% from 2010 to 2011, many retailers' online ordering, shipping and returns processes failed to keep pace, according to management consultancy Kurt Salmon's rankings of 50 retailers.

Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. -- Mid-America Real Estate Corp. announced the promotions of two senior VPs to partners.

Andy Bulson is responsible for the management of Mid-America’s Suburban Tenant Representation Team, representing numerous national retailers throughout the Chicagoland area. Dan Tausk oversees Mid-America’s Urban Retail Team, representing both retail landlords and tenants in urban Chicago and its neighborhoods.

Plymouth Meeting, Pa. – Philadelphia-based Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust announced that Charming Charlie will open a new store at Plymouth Meeting Mall, located in suburban Philadelphia.

The new 12,000-sq.-ft. store is slated to open spring 2012. It completes the center’s recently developed outdoor lifestyle retail wing, which is anchored by Whole Foods Market and Café and features Loft, Orvis, Chico’s, Coldwater Creek, Jos. A Bank, Olly Shoes and Massage Envy.