Department Store

Indianapolis – Electronics retailer Hhgregg is opening a new store location at the Dayton Mall in Dayton, Ohio, on May 16. The new 23,000-sq.-ft. store will replace a previous location in West Carrollton, Ohio.

“Hhgregg is dedicated to the Dayton community and we think local residents will really enjoy shopping at our new and modern store,” said Jeff Pearson, senior VP of marketing, Hhgregg.

Omaha, Neb. -- Apparel and home-décor retailer Gordmans said Tuesday it has appointed Geoffrey Ayoub as senior VP planning, allocation and analysis.

Ayoub joins Gordmans from EDCON, a South African-based retailer operating over 1,000 stores in multiple retail formats throughout five countries. At EDCON, he served as chief planning officer responsible for all aspects of merchandise planning, allocation, replenishment and merchandise analysis.

Dallas -- SRS Real Estate Partners said it has appointed Bob Taylor as senior VP in the New York office.

This is Taylor’s second stint with SRS.  In his first, he directed Hard Rock Café’s national expansion and relocation efforts. Taylor will be focused on tenant and landlord representation for the New York team, and returns to SRS from Cassidy Turley, The Staubach Co., and Staubach Retail.

Cheshire, Conn. -- WS Development, based in Chestnut Hill, Mass., announced plans to build an open-air shopping, dining and entertainment complex in Cheshire, Conn., called The Outlets at Cheshire.

The center will also include public open space, walkways, recreation amenities, a residential component and full service grocer.  

New York -- Toys "R" Us has appointed Antonio Urcelay, 61, the head of its European operations, as interim CEO, according to a filing the retailer made on Monday with the Securities and Exchange commission, The Record reported.

Urcelay replaces Gerald Storch, who announced in February that he would be stepping. At the time, Storch said he would remain as CEO during the transition. While his role as chief executive ended Sunday, he continues to serve as chairman of the board.

Seattle -- The national vacancy rate for shopping centers dropped slightly from 10.09% to 10.06% in the first quarter of 2013, according to a study by global real estate services company Colliers International. In addition, shopping centers absorbed nearly 4.5 million sq. ft. in the first quarter.

Fredericksburg, Va. -- Two new merchants will soon be joining the retail lineup at Spotsylvania Towne Centre in Fredericksburg, Va., according to Cafaro Co., based in Youngstown, Ohio.

Soma Intimates and Londons will open this summer in the outdoor shopping district of the complex, The Village at Towne Centre. Londons will open first, occupying just about 2,000 sq. ft. next to Firebirds Wood Fired Grill. By late August, Soma will open its 2,500-sq.-ft. store next to White House | Black Market.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target has become the latest retailer to get its geek on. The discount retailer has teamed up with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, in partnership with DC Entertainment, and will launch an extensive summer collection of exclusive Justice League merchandise.