Department Store

Cranston, R.I. -- Boston-based The Wilder Cos. said that Pottery Barn is opening a new store in Garden City Center, as part of the first phase of a plan to expand, reconfigure and redevelop the historic shopping center.  

Pottery Barn will be the larger of two stores located in a new 20,000-sq.-ft. building, and is expected to open at Garden City Center in February 2013.

Youngstown, Ohio -- Cafaro Co. has announced it is actively seeking to expand its portfolio of enclosed malls.

According to the company, each potential acquisition property must demonstrate historic, stabilized net operating income and minimum sales of $300 per sq. ft. Cafaro said is interested in malls with a minimum gross leasable area of 600,000 sq. ft. in trade areas of 200,000 – 450,000 residents.
 
Cafaro currently owns and oversees more than 30 million sq. ft. of commercial real estate in 11 states.
 

Burlington, Mass. -- Boston-based Wilder Cos. announced that, as part of a two-phased revitalization plan, Seasons 52 will open a new restaurant at Wayside in Burlington, Mass., the restaurateur’s first location in the state.

Dallas -- Alliance Data Systems has agreed to acquire The Bon-Ton Stores’ private-label credit card portfolio worth $475 million.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Alliance Data, which provides private-label credit card services to retailers, will also manage the retailer's private-label credit card program.

Bon-Ton Stores, Inc., operates 272 stores in 23 states across the Northeast, Midwest, and upper Great Plains, under a variety of banners.
 

NEW YORK — Macy's has launched its annual summer fundraising campaign for children's literacy. Starting June 22, customers can give $3 to help provide a book for a child in their local communities. Through the program, customers will receive a coupon for $10 off an in-store purchase of $50 or more (certain exclusions apply), and Macy’s will donate 100% of every $3 to Reading Is Fundamental. The five-week fundraising effort ends July 31.

Plano, Texas -- In an announcement that caught the retail industry by surprise, J.C. Penney Co. said that Michael Francis will be leaving the company, effective June 18. Chief executive Ron Johnson will assume direct responsibility and oversight of the company's marketing and merchandising functions.

New York -- Macy’s Herald Square has extended its shopping hours to make it easier for shoppers while the flagship undergoes its extensive, four-year renovation.

Starting Monday, the store opens at 9 a.m., instead of 10 a.m., Monday through Friday. The Saturday and Sunday schedule remains the same, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., respectively. 
 

PLANO, Texas — Investors who were holding out for some of Michael Francis' Target marketing magic to rub off on JCPenney will be left wondering what could have been, as the company announced Francis' departure effective Monday.

CEO Ron Johnson will assume direct responsibility and oversight of the company's marketing and merchandising functions.

Johnson said, "We thank Michael for his hard work at JCPenney and wish him the best in his future endeavors."