Apparel

While other retailers make news by posting grim first quarter results and closing stores., the nation’s leading off-price retailer is making headlines by doing just the opposite. Amid strong first quarter results that included a 7% rise in same-store sales, TJX Cos. said it plans to open about 150 more stores during the rest of this year, on top of the 47 stores it opened in its first quarter.

The lifestyle retailer named after the famous film festival started by Robert Redford continues to grow its retail footprint and has added a store in the Northwest. The Bridgeport Village shopping center in the Portland, OR., suburb of Tigard is the location of the newest Sundance store which offers women’s and men’s apparel, footwear, jewelrey, accessories, art, and home décor.

Francesca’s Holdings is looking for a new CEO after the abrupt departure of former Chairman, President and CEO Michael Barnes and weaker than expected first quarter guidance caused the company’s shares to plummet.

The Manhattan Village Shopping Center in Los Angeles County serves some of the nation’s wealthiest zip codes which explains why JLL is leading a $150 million investment in a redesign and expansion of the mixed use center. The planned multi-phased renovation will bring new life to the 573,000-sq.-ft. shopping and dining destination that occupies 44 acres and serves the South Bay cities and Silicon Beach areas of Los Angeles County, according to JLL.

Tanger Factory Outlet Centers operates, owns or has an ownership interest in 42 shopping centers nationwide that encompass 14.3 million square feet. The company’s centers are home to more than 3,000 stores operated by 470 different retailers, which affords Tanger President and CEO Steve Tanger a unique vantage point on the retail industry. He spoke recently with Chain Store Age about the outlet shopping industry his father pioneered 35 years ago.

The Disney Springs collection of retail and entertainment offerings in Lake Buena Vista, FL is home to the newest UGG brand flagship store.

Veteran Bon-Ton Stores executive Michael Ricart has joined value-priced department store chain Gordman’s Stores as senior vice president of stores.

The chief financial officer of Tiffany & Co. is stepping down. The high-end jeweler disclosed in a regulatary filing that CFO Ralph Nicolette is resigning, effective May 20, 2016. Nicolette, who was appointed to the position In April 2014, is leaving to become CFO of consumer products company Newell Brands Inc. (Newell was formerly known as Newell Rubbermaid.) Prior to Tiffany, Nicolette was CFO of Cigna Corp., and Alberto Culver.