Department Store

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Belk is partnering with Project Runway’s 12th season to grow its brand. 

The family-owned and operated department store will be sponsoring this season's accessory wall, as well as a “Modern. Southern. Style.” design challenge that will feature a Belk executive as guest judge. This year's winning designer will have the opportunity to design and sell an exclusive line at Belk.

New York -- Urban Outfitters has signed a lease for 56,730 sq. ft. on three levels at W&H Properties’ 1333 Broadway site, where the retailer will create its innovative new “lifestyle center” concept with new features never before seen from the brand, according to Anthony Malkin, president of Malkin Holdings, which supervises the W&H Properties portfolio.

The retailer will take occupancy in September.  

FREMONT, Calif. — Men’s Wearhouse is looking to find new homes for used men’s and women's business attire, including suits, and in the process, looking to generate foot traffic to its stores. 

The company has launched its sixth annual National Suit Drive and has set a goal to collect 150,000 gently used professional clothing items through July 31, to donate to unemployed men and women who are trying to re-enter the workforce. 

Having past the calendar’s mid-point, we thought it would be interesting to take a look at the most viewed stories of the year to date on ChainStoreAge.com. (Based on the results,  the ongoing saga of J.C. Penney remains the industry's biggest story.) Here are the Top 10 stories of the first six months:

PITTSBURGH — GNC Holdings has elected former PetSmart CEO Robert Moran and former Midas CEO Alan Feldman to its board of directors.

"We are pleased to welcome Messrs. Moran and Feldman to the GNC board," stated Joseph Fortunato, GNC chairman, president and CEO. "Their extensive experience leading global consumer brands and retail operations, both domestically and overseas, and past experience as CEOs of retail businesses should add significant strength to our board as we execute our future strategies."

Cherry Hill, N.J. -- A reimagined Build-A-Bear Workshop will open at Cherry Hill Mall this fall in a new 2,000-sq.-ft. location in the J. C. Penney wing. The new design incorporates technology into the personalized stuffed animal-making experience.

Chestnut Hill, Mass. -- Swedish children’s wear brand Polarn O. Pyret USA has opened its first Boston-area store at THE STREET in Chestnut Hill, according to WS Development, the center’s developer and owner. This is the fifth Polarn O. Pyret (pronounced POH-lahrn oh PEE-rhet and nicknames PO.P) in the U.S. and the fourth on the east coast.

Philadelphia -- Men’s and women’s apparel retailer, Theory has taken 3,000 sq. ft. at 1616 Walnut Street in Center City Philadelphia near Rittenhouse Square, according to Fameco Real Estate.

Fameco represented the building’s ownership group of Federal Capital, Alterra Property and Cross Properties in the transaction.