Department Store

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.

New York -- Big M, owner of the Mandee, Annie Sez and Afaze apparel chains, will be sold to YM Inc., Toronto, in a $22.5 million deal expected to be approved by a bankruptcy judge next week, The Record reported.
 
YM operates more than 600 young women’s specialty stores under a variety of banners, including Stitches, Urban Planet, Bluenotes, Siblings, and Sirens.   

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — Former Gap executive Pamela B. Wallack has been named CEO of David’s Bridal, a U.S.-based specialty retailer of bridal gown and wedding-related apparel and accessories.

The specialty retailer is looking to leverage Wallack’s abilities to grow and improve well-known consumer brands to help drive the strategic initiatives underway at the company, including expanding the store base, bolstering the e-sommerce platform, enhancing customer experience and adding to the portfolio of high-fashion brands.

Conshohocken, Pa. -- David’s Bridal has named Pamela B. Wallack as CEO, effective May 28. She joins David’s Bridal from Gap Inc., where she has held senior positions since 2005.

Wallack was the president of Gap Adult, Body and Accessories from 2010 to 2011 and the president of Gap Kids and Baby from 2005 to 2010. In 2011, she was tapped to establish and lead the Gap Global Creative Center, responsible for global design, marketing and production

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — Former Gap executive Pamela B. Wallack has been named CEO of David’s Bridal, a U.S.-based specialty retailer of bridal gown and wedding-related apparel and accessories.

The specialty retailer is looking to leverage Wallack’s abilities to grow and improve well-known consumer brands to help drive the strategic initiatives underway at the company, including expanding the store base, bolstering the e-sommerce platform, enhancing customer experience and adding to the portfolio of high-fashion brands.

Vernon, Calif. -- True Religion Apparel has entered into a definitive merger agreement with New York and London-based investment management firm TowerBrook Capital Partners, in a transaction valued at approximately $835 million.