Department Store

BOULDER, Colo.— Kohl’s is the nation’s favorite fashion retail chain, according to an annual consumer survey conducted by Market Force Information, a worldwide leader in customer intelligence solutions. This is the third year in a row that Kohl’s has earned the top spot. Nordstrom ranked as consumers’ second favorite, followed by Macy’s, Dillard’s and JCPenney. Rounding out the top ten were Coldwater Creek (6), Ann Taylor Loft (7), T.J. Maxx (8), Old Navy (9) and Marshalls (10).

When a major mall wants to create a stir, adding a premier department store retailer such as Bloomingdale’s will usually do the trick.

In early November, Chicago-based General Growth Properties announced that it will add Bloomies as an anchor to its Glendale Galleria property, in Glendale, Calif. As well, said GGP, the center will undergo an expansive renovation, incorporating aesthetic updates to both the interior and exterior of the property.

MINNEAPOLIS — Best Buy Co. said Monday it is buying out its joint venture partner, Carphone Warehouse Group PLC, in its fast-growing North American mobile business for $1.34 billion. As part of the reorganization of its relationship with the U.S. consumer electronics giant, Carphone Warehouse will shutter the 11 pilot big-box Best Buy stores it opened last year in the United Kingdom.

City of Industry, Calif. -- Hot Topic Inc. said that its CEO, Lisa Harper, 52, has also been named its board chairwoman.

Former chairman Bruce Quinnell will stay on as chairman of the audit committee, but he will not seek re-election to the board when his term ends in June, the company said.

The company also said Matthew Drapkin was named lead director.
 

Garden City, N.J. -- Sabre Real Estate Group said that Beth Lamport has joined the firm as executive VP.

Previously a director at Breslin Realty, Lamport also was a broker at Polimeni Realty and spent more 20 years as a marketing executive at Federal Department Stores, which owned Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Filene’s and Stern’s and now is known as Macy’s Inc.

Target said it plans to close stores in Broomfield, Colo., Raleigh, N.C., Orlando and Portland by the end of its fiscal year in late January.

Middletown, N.Y. -- Brixmor Property Group announced a 56,491-sq.-ft. Hobby Lobby recently opened at Fairview Corners, located in Middletown, N.Y.

Brixmor, based in New York City, is the owner of Wallkill Plaza.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target shoppers have a new incentive for joining the retailer's REDcard Rewards loyalty program: free shipping on Target.com. In addition, for the first time Target Debit Cards can be used on Target.com, the company said.