Department Store

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Sears Holdings announced that both Sears and Kmart stores will be open on Thanksgiving Day. The company said its made the decision based in part on feedback from members of its Shop Your Way loyalty program, who sought more flexible Black Friday in-store shopping times and eagerness to shop doorbuster deals.

Ithaca, N.Y. -- Brixmor Property Group announced that Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts will open a new store in an 18,350-sq.-ft. space at Cayuga Mall in Ithaca, N.Y.

Brixmor, based in New York City, is the owner of Cayuga Mall.

New York -- With retail books closed prior to Hurricane Sandy’s arrival in the Northeast, most retailers experienced same-store sales gains for the month of October, some with stronger showings than others.

The 17 retail chains tracked by Thomson Reuters are predicted to report 4.3% growth in October same-store sales, up slightly over the 4.1% advance reported in the year-ago period and a significant gain over September’s 0.8% rise.

By Shelley E. Kohan, shelley@retailnext.net

When reviewing month-to­month sales results, saw tooth performance of 2012 has left many retailers wondering the fate of holiday this year. Early predictions for holiday comp sales results have hinted to low single digits.

BURLINGTON, N.J. — Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse reported that net sales for the third quarter ended Oct. 27 were $967.8 million compared with $898.7 million for the comparative period ended Oct. 29, 2011, a 7.7% increase. Comparative-store sales increased 2.1% for the quarter.

Philadelphia -- Destination Maternity Corp. announced that it has entered into a new $61 million revolving credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

The new credit facility replaces the retailer's $55 million revolving credit facility with Bank of America, N.A., which was due to mature on January 13, 2013.

Short Hills, N.J. -- Bloomfield Hills, Mich.-based Taubman Centers said that five fashion and accessory boutiques will join its Mall at Short Hills property in Short Hills, N.J.

Emporio Armani, Giorgio Armani, Stuart Weitzman, Thomas Pink and Tourbillon are opening this fall in the luxury center, with four out of the five making their New Jersey debut.

Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. -- Mid-America Asset Management Inc. said it has signed eight restaurant leases Greater Chicagoland shopping centers that the company represents. The leases total more than 42,000 sq. ft.

For Dempster Plaza in Niles, Ill., Mid-America leased 9,600 sq. ft. to Asia restaurant Niles Buffet, which will open in a former Old Country Buffet space in March 2013. The 180,000-sq.-ft. center is anchored by Home Depot, Portillo's and Jewel/Osco.