Department Store

Meriden, Conn. – Vestis Retail Group, parent company of Bob’s Stores and Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS), has named James Petty as CEO effective July 8, 2013. Petty most recently served as president of retail stores for Cartier Inc. from 2007 to December 2012 and left the company after it relocated its retail group headquarters from Connecticut to Georgia. He also previously held executive positions at Limited Too and Gap Inc.

LEXINGTON, Mass. — The Keds division of footwear manufacturer Wolverine Worldwide is back for an encore performance with superstar Taylor Swift.

This fall, Keds will launch its second footwear collaboration with seven-time Grammy award-winning, multi-platinum singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. The collection expands this season to 17 styles, offering a variety of prints, colors and finishes inspired by Swift.

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."

Chicago -- The Macy’s store in the recently renovated Ohio Valley Mall in St. Clairsville, Ohio, has begun its first full-store renovation since opening in 1979. The single-level 100,000 sq. ft. store will receive new flooring, wall treatments, paint and additional accent lighting. In addition, the renovation will reconfigure the aisles to improve flow and sight lines. Macy’s will remain open throughout the renovation, which will finish up in time for the holiday season.

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.