Apparel

An opening salvo has been fired in the Black Friday battle and this one emanated from South Florida where the massive Sawgrass Mills outlet mall announced it will stay open around the clock beginning at 10 p.m. on Thanskgiving day. The mall is home to a Super Target and about 350 other stores.

Cherry Hill, N.J. — Noted fashion designer and retailer Michael Kors has opened a new store in Cherry Hill, N.J. — at the Cherry Hill Mall, a property owned by Philadelphia-based Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust.

The store opening is part of the mall’s $200 million complete renaissance, which includes the addition of white-linen restaurants, a new parking deck, the addition of an upscale retail wing, a redesigned and relocated food court now called Cherry Hill Cafés, and extensive interior and exterior renovations.

Chicago -- Claire's Stores, Inc. said Tuesday that it has named Beatrice Lafon President of the European Division, effective immediately.

In her position as President of Europe, Lafon will lead the continued growth and expansion of the European business, with direct oversight of buying, merchandising and allocation, supply chain, stores, and the overall operations for approximately 1,100 stores across 13 countries.

Lafon will report to Gene Kahn, CEO. 

Indianapolis -- Kite Realty Group said that Dibella’s Subs will join Traders Point II shopping center, in Indianapolis, with a 3,200-sq.-ft. Indiana debut. The 447,507-sq.-ft. center is anchored by Bed Bath & Beyond, Books-A-Million, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Marsh Supermarket, Michael’s, Old Navy, Petsmart and AMC Theatre.  

At Cool Creek Commons in Carmel, Ind., Kite leased 5,554 sq. ft. to Boom Bozz Pizza & Tap House, which will open its first location in Indiana.

DODGEVILLE, Wis. — Lands' End has announced the promotion of Tim Martin to COO/CFO, and Chris Kolbe to brand president.  

As the leader of operations and finance for Lands' End, Martin will oversee all aspects of financial planning and inventory management for the brand's global business. He most recently served as SVP, CFO.

New York -- In a surprise announcement, Target said that Michael Francis, executive VP and chief marketing officer of Target Corp., has elected to leave the company.  In January, 2011, Francis was charged with overseeing with Target’s Canadian entrance. 

The retailer was short on specifics regarding Francis’ departure. 

"We would like to thank Michael for his many contributions and wish him the best in his future endeavors" said Gregg Steinhafel, chairman, president and CEO, in a statement. 

Pittsburgh -- Dick’s Sporting Goods announced the opening of three stores. 

The company will will open the doors to its stores in Suffolk, Va., Burlington, N.C., and  El Cajon, Calif., on Wednesday, Oct. 5

Secaucus, N.J. — The Children's Place Retail Stores, Inc. said Friday that it has named Peter Warner as SVP global sourcing, for the chain.

Warner will be responsible for the global sourcing and production functions, technical services and Asian operations. Most recently, he served as SVP of Global Sourcing & Operations for Liz Claiborne Inc.