Department Store

Busan, South Korea — Shinsegae Simon, a joint venture between Shinsegae Group and Simon Property Group has announced the grand opening of Busan Premium Outlets, its third Premium Outlet Center in South Korea. The first two are located in Yeoju and Paju.

The new center is located on the southeastern tip of the Korean Peninsula and features 180 outlet stores. Fashion brands include Coach, Ermenegildo Zegna, Isabel Marant, Jill Stuart, Marc Jacobs, Roberto Cavalli and Vivienne Westwood.

VERNON, Calif. — True Religion Apparel appointed Gary Harvey as the brand’s creative director. In this role, Harvey will work with the company’s senior leadership to define the creative vision and design across True Religion. He will report to Lynne Koplin, chief merchandising officer.

Chattanooga, Tenn. — CBL & Associates Properties has closed on the sale of three malls and three related associated centers in a portfolio transaction for a gross sale price of $176 million in cash. The properties include Georgia Square Mall and Georgia Square Plaza in Athens, Ga.; Panama City Mall and The Shoppes at Panama City in Panama City, Fla.; and Rivergate Mall and Village at Rivergate in Nashville, Tenn.

THE WOODLANDS, Texas — Regional consumer electronics retailer Conn’s plans to more than double its footprint in Phoenix following second quarter results, which showed an 18.4% increase in same-store sales.

Houston -- Saks Inc. will open a new flagship store immediately adjacent to its existing location in the Houston Galleria, featuring 198,000 sq. ft. over two levels and a state-of-the-art store design. The current store will remain open until the new store opens in fall 2015. Once the old store closes, it will be converted to a two-level mall wing connecting the new Saks to Neiman Marcus and adding 35 retailers and restaurants.

Hampstead, Md. -- JoS. A. Bank Clothiers reported that net income for the second quarter dropped 38% to $14.2 million, compared with $23.2 million in the same period last year, amid weaker sales.

Total sales fell 10.7% to $232.5 million. Same-store sales plummeted 15.9%; direct marketing sales decreased 1.9%.

Columbus, Ohio — DSW has opened two new footwear, handbag and accessories stores, one in Norman, Okla., and a second in Victor, N.Y.

The new stores bring the total number of DSW stores to 379. Locations include 42 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

New York -- Pure Madness Chocolate has announced a partnership with iconic fashion accessories retailer Henri Bendel in New York City for a pop-up space.
   
Pure Madness Chocolate will be available at the Henri Bendel flagship store on Fifth Avenue Sept. 4 to Sept. 9.

The brand will have a pop-up space on the second floor of the Henri Bendel 5th Avenue flagship store from Sept. 4 to Sept. 8.