Apparel

TOPEKA, Kan. -- Earlier today, Retailing Today reported that several apparel and footwear industry heavyweights were teaming up to promote best practices in sustainability, and now Payless has announced that it will support eco-model and Payless brand partner Summer Rayne Oakes who will wear the same little black dress throughout the month of March.

South Bend, Ind. -- Indianapolis-based Kite Realty Group announced that Urban Outfitters will open at Eddy Street Commons at Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind.

The retailer has leased 8,627 sq. ft. and is part of a newly developed mixed-use development that consists of a large book store, hotel, several unique restaurants and other apparel stores.

Urban Outfitters is scheduled to open late this summer.

The solid fourth-quarter financial results Target reported last week were quickly overshadowed by long-term growth objectives that gave stakeholders a clear idea of where the company is headed in terms of sales and profits. Target expects its annual sales, currently about $66 billion, to reach the $100 billion mark within six to seven years, and current earnings per share of $4 will at least double over that same time frame.

Rockville, Md. -- Federal Realty Investment Trust said Monday that The Fresh Market will open a new store at Congressional Plaza, a 332,000-sq.-ft. regional shopping center in Rockville, Md.

The store, the specialty grocer’s first in Montgomery County, will measure 19,860 sq. ft. Recent openings at the center include Last Call Studio by Neiman Marcus and Matchbox Vintage Pizza Bistro.

Acquired by Federal Realty in 1965, Congressional Plaza is a regional shopping destination anchored by Buy Buy Baby and The Container Store.

New York City -- Luxottica Group SpA said Monday its fourth-quarter net profit rose 88%. The Milan, Italy-based parent of the Sunglass Hut and Lens Crafters chains predicted a strong 2011 as consumers return to high-end brands.

The company said its net profit increased to €55.1 million ($75.8 million) in the final three months of 2010.

Luxottica will continue to expand its Sunglass Hut division in 2011, and expects to add 270 Sunglass Hut locations globally.

SEATTLE -- Disney Consumer Products has partnered with Nordstrom to launch a new line of children's apparel, accessories and footwear in honor of the 45th anniversary of the "it's a small world" attraction at Disneyland. 

By Scott W. Bermack, [email protected]

New York City -- Jill Granoff, chief executive of Kenneth Cole Productions, announced her resignation on Monday, effective immediately. She had company for three years.

In a statement, the company described the decision to find a new CEO as "mutual."

Kenneth Cole, who founded the firm in 1982, will take on Granoff’s duties temporarily as the search for a new CEO begins.