Department Store

I have to admit it: I was shocked when I heard the news this week that Glen Senk, the widely-admired CEO of Urban Outfitters, was resigning.  Sure, the company wasn’t coming off the best of years, having battled lackluster sales throughout much of 2011. A series of fashion misses — nothing new in the always dicey world of women’s apparel — had taken their toll on profit as the retailer sought to clear slow-moving merchandise with deep discounts.

Minneapolis -- Target Corp. confirmed Thursday that it plans to install Apple mini-boutiques in some of its stores this year. The concept will be tested in 25 locations, and feature a wider assortment of Apple products than is currently available at Target, according to Bloomberg.

Menomonee Falls, Wis. -- Kohl's Corp. said Thursday it is doubling the size of its design office in New York City, as well as adding its first design studio on the West Coast, in Santa Monica, Calif.

The move, said the company, represents a commitment to its exclusive brands.

"The investment reinforces our commitment to offering world-class brands at compelling value to our customers," said Kevin Mansell, Kohl's chairman, president and CEO, in a statement.

Woodstock, Ga. -- Chattanooga, Tenn.-based CBL & Associates Properties and Norton Shores, Mich.-based Horizon Group Properties announced a 75/25 joint venture to develop The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta in Atlanta (Woodstock), Ga.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target's board of directors has approved a new $5 billion share repurchase program, which will be implemented upon the completion of the company's current $10 billion program.

Target said while it expects to complete its current program early this year, it expects to complete the new $5 billion authorization in the next two to three years, saying the program "represents an opportunity to apply excess cash flow to what [the company believes] will be an attractive long-term investment."

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Sears Holdings Corp. confirmed Thursday that John Goodman, its chief of apparel and home division, has resigned the company, effective immediately.

Goodman was hired two years ago as executive VP of apparel and home, charged with turning around the retailer’s clothing business. His departure, which Sears says happened last week, coincides with the Jan. 3 arrival of Ron Boire, the former Brookstone president and CEO, as executive VP and chief merchandising officer for Sears and Kmart brands.

NEW YORK — Although online sales grew 15% from 2010 to 2011, many retailers' online ordering, shipping and returns processes failed to keep pace, according to management consultancy Kurt Salmon's rankings of 50 retailers.

Moorestown, N.J. -- Philadelphia-based Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust announced that it has executed a deal with Regal Entertainment Group to build the Regal Moorestown Mall Stadium 12 & Regal Premium Experience at Moorestown Mall, in southern N.J.

The 56,000-sq.-ft., 12-screen theatre is slated to open in time for the 2013 summer movie season.