Apparel

Boston -- City Sports will open its 19th store, in Wellesley, Mass., during the last week of September. The location features a dramatic façade, with a wraparound steel awning and tall windows that showcase the interior design and product assortment. Inside, an interactive electronics room offers shoppers the use of in-store iPads to access information about products on the company's website as well as the ability to wear-test headphones

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Stein Mart announced the appointment of Jay Stein as interim CEO, effective immediately, following the retirement of David H. Stovall, Jr., who has held that position since 2008.

The company also announced the formation of a search committee of the board of directors led by Robert Mettler who serves as chair of the strategic planning committee of the board.
 

NEW YORK — Tiffany & Co. said Thursday it plans to open a store in New York’s SoHo neighborhood in September 2012.

The 7,000-sq.-ft. store will occupy a space that combines two locations -- 97 Greene Street and 106 Wooster Street. 

The 2012 opening corresponds to Tiffany’s 175th anniversary of its founding on Lower Broadway in the 1850s.

Lenexa, Kan. -- Retail Group of America, owner of Strasburg Children stores, has announced the appointment of Joanna B. Shawver as VP real estate. She will lead the company’s real estate expansion strategy in the United States.

Shawver brings more than 20 years of commercial real estate experience to her new role, with specialties in tenant representation and shopping center leasing. Most recently, she was VP leasing with RED Development, a Kansas City and Phoenix-based real estate development firm.
 

Seattle -- Nordstrom opened the doors to its newest store, in Nashville, Tenn.

The 149,000-sq.-ft. store is located in The Mall at Green Hills.
 

HONG KONG — On the heels of a 98% drop in its yearly earnings, Esprit Holdings said it is divesting its North American businesses and exiting three major European markets.

The company said it is actively looking for a partner willing to acquire its North American operations, which include 93 stores in the United States.

Suffern, N.Y. -- Ascena Retail Group, owner of the Dressbarn, Maurices and Justice chains, reported Wednesday that net income for the quarter ended July 30 fell to $28.2 million, from $42 million in the year-ago period on one-time charges and a shorter quarter for the performance slide.

Bellevue, NY -- In a survey released Wednesday by thrift retailer Savers Inc., the average family is expected to spend $300 on Halloween costumes, décor and celebrations this year.

According to the Halloween Shopping Survey, 90% of adults are planning to create a brand new look this season rather than repurpose old costumes, and another 81% will purchase new decorations for their home.