Department Store

Raleigh, N.C. -- Tarrytown, N.Y.-based DLC Management Corp. announced a pair of lease signings that have transformed its Raleigh, N.C., asset Tower Shopping Center.

According to DLC, America’s Kids will open a 26,691-sq.-ft. store, marking the children’s clothing and accessory retailer’s first store in North Carolina. This is also the first America’s Kids store in DLC’s portfolio, and deals at two additional shopping centers are under negotiation.

Philadelphia -- Destination Maternity Corp. announced the hiring of Chris Daniel as its president, effective June 1.

Daniel will report directly to Ed Krell, CEO, and will have responsibility for all merchandising, design, marketing, visual, sourcing and branding functions of the company. In connection with the hiring of Daniel, Krell, who held the additional title of president on a temporary basis since the departure of the company's former president, will relinquish that title.

New York City -- Jones Group's net income fell 34% in the first quarter, weighed down by higher costs and charges tied to an acquisition.

Jones Group earned $25.9 million, compared with $39.4 million a year ago.

Jones Group said its quarterly results included about $11 million in costs and charges tied to its Stuart Weitzman acquisition and other restructuring and strategic review costs. Last year's quarter included costs and charges totaling approximately $3 million.

Minneapolis -- Target Corp. has joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) GreenChill program. The program further Target's efforts to reduce refrigeration emissions by adopting green refrigeration technologies in its stores.

New York City -- Coach's third-quarter net income increased 18% amid higher demand in North America, which helped offset an estimated $20 million hit to its revenue from Japan's tsunami and earthquake. Same-store sales in North America rose 10.3%. Analysts said Coach’s results offered further proof that spending by affluent shoppers is back on track and rising faster than other segments.

Net income rose to $186 million for the three months that ended April 2, up from $157.6 million a year earlier. Revenue rose nearly 15% to $950.7 million.

New York City -- Big Lots, which plans to open 90 stores this year, has made two key merchandising moves to facilitate its planned growth.

The retailer has hired former Sears merchandising executive Doug Wurl to serve as its executive VP merchandising. He assumes responsibilities previously held by John Martin, who was named executive VP administration. In his new role, Martin will have responsibility for store operations and human resources.

New York City -- Spain’s fast-fashion Mango will open a store in Manhattan’s Herald Square vicinity in May.

The retailer is taking over a 5,500-sq.-ft. space from Lane Bryant at 7 West 34th Street.
 

Dallas -- Zale Corp. is extending the maturity of $120 million of its credit facility by more than two and a half years, the Associated Press reported.

The portion being extended includes a seasonal adjustment of $20 million. The debt was set to mature Aug. 11. Now, it matures on April 30, 2014.

Zale said Monday that commitments under the facility remain at $650 million, including a $108 million seasonal adjustment. All commitments mature on the new date in 2014.

Cincinnati -- Macy’s on Monday said it will open three Bloomingdale’s Outlet stores in the fall. The new locations will join the first four Bloomingdale’s Outlet stores opened in fall 2010 when the concept was launched.

The new Bloomingdale’s Outlet stores, which will range from 25,000 sq. ft. to 24,000 sq. ft. are scheduled to open in the following shopping centers with an upscale outlet store focus: Miromar Outlets, Estero, Fla.; Wrentham Village Premium Outlets, Wrentham, Mass.; and Woodfield Village Green, Schaumburg, Ill.

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, General Growth Properties teamed up with Broyhill to give shoppers an opportunity to enter a contest to win mom an entire Broyhill living set, valued at more than $4,000. To enter, customers can simply visit a participating mall’s Facebook page and in 150 words or less, tell why “mom” is the best! The grand prize is a seven-piece furniture set, featuring pieces from the Perspectives collection, including a sofa, two chairs, square coffee table and more.