Department Store

New York City -- Aeropostale announced that, effective immediately, Thomas P. Johnson, co-CEO, has been named CEO. Mindy C. Meads, who has served as co-CEO along with Johnson since February 2010, will leave the company to pursue other interests. She will stay for a short period to ensure a smooth transition.

Seattle -- Nordstrom plans to open a new Rack discount store next fall in the Portland suburb of Tigard, Ore.

The retailer said the new 45,000-sq.-ft. t store will open in Cascade Plaza in Tigard, about a mile away from a full-line Nordstrom store in the Washington Square shopping center.

Chicago -- General Growth Properties announced Wednesday it is implementing its EcoStance of environmental responsibility to the malls’ kiosks, located throughout all the shopping centers’ common areas.

Over the last few months, GGP converted over 50,000 incandescent lights to energy-efficient LED lights in over 135 malls. The new LED lamps produce brighter light levels, last longer, lower carbon emissions, and reduce energy consumption by at least 85%, according to the mall owner.

Armonk, N.Y. -- IBM on Wednesday announced that the Bon-Ton Stores website and its seven leading brands have experienced a double-digit increase in their online sales using IBM software to advance their online and mobile commerce features.

Houston -- Centro Properties Group said Tuesday that Fashion Metro has opened a 9,810-sq.-ft. store at Northtown Plaza, in Houston.

Centro Properties Group, based in New York City, owns Northtown Plaza.

Pleasant Hill, Calif. -- X Team International said Tuesday that Walnut Creek, Calif.-based partner John Cumbelich & Associates arranged the sale of Downtown Pleasant Hill, a 345,687-sq.-ft. community shopping center in Pleasant Hill, Calif.

Downtown Pleasant Hill is anchored by Century Theatres, Lucky Supermarket, Bed Bath & Beyond, Ross Dress For Less, Michaels and Borders.

The buyer was Walnut Creek-based Loja Group, and the seller was a joint venture between Prudential and Developers Diversified Realty.

By Cynthia Cohen, twitter.com/StrategyDiva

Bensalem, Pa. -- Charming Shoppes reported a smaller loss for its third fiscal quarter on Wednesday, helped by lower operating expenses and competitive promotions that attracted customers. The chain posted a net loss of $18.8 million for the period ended Oct. 30, compared with a loss of $48.4 million, in the prior-year period.

Revenue increased 1% to $463.6 million from $460.2 million, with online sales up 40%. Same-store sales rose 3%.
 

Hampstead, Md. -- Jos. A. Banks posted a profit of $12.6 million during the fiscal 2010 third quarter ended Oct. 30, compared with a profit of $11.7 million in the year age period. It was the 36th quarter out of the past 37 with earnings growth compared with prior year periods.

Revenue increased 7.4% to $173.3 million from $161.3 million a year ago. Same-store sales increased 3% in the quarter.

Both earnings and sales trailed analysts’ estimates.