Department Store

Rockford, Mich. -- Wolverine Worldwide announced the appointment of Ira P. Hernowitz as president of the Stride Rite Children's Group. He most recently served as executive VP of "R" Us Brands for Toys R Us, Inc.

Hernowitz has served in a variety of leadership roles during his career, and his strong background in children's products, coupled with his retail expertise.

Davenport, Iowa -- Von Maur Department Store has opened its first store in the state of Alabama, at Riverchase Galleria in Hoover. The 185,000-sq.-ft. store is also one of the company’s largest locations to date.

"After opening our first Southeastern location two years ago, we couldn't be more excited to continue building on our success in the region with the addition of our first Alabama location at Riverchase Galleria," said Jim von Maur, president of Von Maur."

New York — Faith Hope Consolo, chairman, and Joseph Aquino, executive VP of Douglas Elliman’s Retail Group have arranged a multi-level Soho flagship for Alice + Olivia By Stacey Bendet at 98 Greene Street between Spring and Prince Streets.

The love affair between retailers and loyalty programs is in serious distress. Several major retailers have cut or reduced their loyalty programs and more are considering a trial separation. Customers seem to be shrugging off the change for now. As long as they’re getting the discounts, it’s easier for them to not have to carry and swipe their cards or give their phone numbers at checkout.

New printing techniques, sizes allow for greater options.

Whether it’s a high-end specialty store or a big-box discounter, flooring can go a long way toward setting the right mood — and making shoppers feel comfortable. “It’s naturally innate in us to look down at the ground,” said Nathan Lee Colkitt, CEO, Colkitt&Co., an architectural firm with offices in San Diego and New York City. “If we get the lay of the land, we feel safer and more comfortable.”

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Sears and Kmart stores joined the growing list of national retailers whose stores will open on Thanksgiving Day.

Kmart, which has opened Thanksgiving Day for 22 years, this year will be open for 41 straight hours, starting at 6 a.m. Thanksgiving Day to 11 p.m. Black Friday.  Sears will open at 8 p.m. Thanksgiving Day.

Fremont, Calif. -- Men’s Wearhouse again rejected a $2.3 billion takeover bid by Jos. A. Bank, refusing to allow it confidential access to its books. Last week, Jos. A. Bank sent a letter to Men’s Wearhouse, hinting that it might raise its proposed takeover offer above $48 a share if it was allowed to conduct due diligence.

In a statement on Monday, Men’s Wearhouse once again reiterated its belief that its own turnaround plan would be better for shareholders.

New York -- Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th plans to open a new store in Pearl, Miss., (metropolitan Jackson) on Nov. 14.

The 17,000-sq.-ft. store will be located in the Outlets of Mississippi in Rankin County, one of the fastest growing areas in the state. The outlet is developed by Spectrum Capital, an affiliate of the Yates Companies.