Apparel

New York City -- Liz Claiborne, parent company of Kate Spade and Juicy Couture labels, reported Thursday that its second-quarter loss widened to $89.9 million, from $86.8 million in the year-ago period.

Sales rose to $555.8 million from $536.8 million, beating Wall Street’s anticipated $522.1 million.
 

TOPEKA, Kan. — The desire for affordable, stylish shoes is something shared by U.S. and international consumers alike, which is why Collective Brands' Payless ShoeSource unit has been able to build a successful franchise business overseas. The company announced Thurday the opening of its 100th franchise store, which is located in Cirebon, Indonesia.  The store represents the 7th store in Indonesia to date.

New York City -- The Jones Group reported Wednesday that second-quarter earnings dropped almost 80% to $5.2 million, compared with $25.7 million in the year-ago period. The retailer and manufacturer, whose brands include Nine West and Anne Klein, cited expenses related to the acquisition of U.K. luxury footwear retailer Kurt Geiger for the poor earnings performance but results still exceeded Wall Street estimates.

Revenue for the quarter increased 3% to $887.4 million, just edging analysts’ expected $887.2 million.

Gaylord, Mich. -- Birmingham, Mich.-based commercial real estate development firm Robert B. Aikens & Associates LLC announced Wednesday that it has acquired the Pine Ridge Square center, located in Gaylord, Mich.

At 189,000 sq. ft., Pine Ridge Square is home to Big Lots, Dunham’s, Bath & Body Works, GNC and Payless Shoe Source. The center currently has 30,000 sq. ft. available for lease.
 

San Mateo, Calif. -- Hillsdale Shopping Center, located in San Mateo, Calif., is currently undergoing an extensive 80,000-sq.-ft. renovation to an area previously occupied by Mervyn’s.

The transformation will feature San Mateo County’s first Cheesecake Factory, a two-story Forever 21, and H&M as anchors of the center’s south end.

AMSTERDAM — The Tommy Hilfiger Group has announced the appointment of John Ermatinger to CEO of the company's Asia business, effective Aug. 1. In this newly created position Ermatinger will report to Fred Gehring, CEO of the Tommy Hilfiger Group. Ermatinger will be based in the Tommy Hilfiger Hong Kong offices.

As CEO of the Asia business, Ermatinger will oversee all business activities in Asia, including the subsidiary Tommy Hilfiger Japan, the joint venture Tommy Hilfiger China, and the various licensed businesses throughout the territory.  

Amsterdam -- The Tommy Hilfiger Group said Wednesday it has named John Ermatinger as CEO of the company's Asia business, effective Aug. 1.

Ermatinger was previously president of Gap Asia Pacific for two years and president of Gap Japan for three years. Under his leadership, Gap successfully launched the brand in China.

Newark, Calif. -- NewPark Mall, in Newark, Calif., has opened an in-house cultural arts center, the NewPark Mall Cultural Corner.

The just-opened cultural center, located on the lower level near Sears, provides exhibit space for the work of local artisans, including painters, sculptors, photographers and digital artists.

NewPark Mall is anchored by Macy's, Sears, J.C. Penney, Target and Burlington Coat Factory. It is owned and managed by General Growth Properties, Chicago.