Department Store

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Former Belk executive Carl Scibetta has been named the new EVP and GMM at Shoe Carnival. Scibetta will report to Cliff Sifford, the former GMM, who was recently appointed president and CEO of the company.

Washington, D.C. --  Retailers will lose an estimated $8.9 billion to return fraud this year, and $2.9 billion during the holiday season alone, according to the National Retail Federation’s 2012 Return Fraud Survey. Overall, retailers estimate 4.6% of holiday returns are fraudulent.

Abuse of liberal return policies and enterprising thieves will cost the retail industry $8.9 billion this year, including $2.9 billion during the holidays alone.

The National Retail Federation arrived at those massive numbers after surveying loss prevention executives at 60 member companies who estimated that 4.6% returns made during the holidays are fraudulent.

Denton, Texas -- RED Development announced it will bring Dillard’s department store to Rayzor Ranch Town Center, the new, open-air retail and entertainment destination now under development in Denton, Texas.  

Dillard’s, being planned as a 126,000-sq.-ft. store, is the first anchor department store named for the new project since RED became an owner and assumed the management of the property in 2010.  

Panama City Beach, Fla. -- The St. Joe Co., together with Casto and Strategic Retail Advisors, announced a joint venture to develop Pier Park North, a 390,000-sq.-ft. shopping center located across from Pier Park Lifestyle Center in Panama City Beach, Fla.

Confirmed retailers include Dick’s Sporting Goods, Michaels, Pier 1 Imports and Kirkland’s. Pier Park North anticipates opening in spring 2014.

Hampstead, Md. -- JoS. A. Bank Clothiers announced the opening of its 600th store, in the Shops at Midtown Miami on North Miami Avenue in Miami. The company said it expects to open another 200 stores in the future as part of its long-term plan to grow the chain to approximately 800 stores, including 700 full-line stores and 100 factory stores in the United States.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Employees at the Grand Rapids-based retailer Meijer raised $3 million for the 2012 United Way Workforce Campaign for the second year in a row. The workforce campaign aims to improve the lives of those in need by meeting critical needs of the community.

Miami Beach, Fla. -- Terranova Corp. said that Anna’s Linens will open an 8,100-sq.-ft. store at Lakewood Shopping Center, located in Margate, Fla., and marking the retailer’s 21st location in the state.

The new store will open in early 2013, joining a tenant line-up that includes Marshall’s, Ross Dress for Less and Staples.