Department Store

DALLAS — Zale Corp. announced that Subha Ramesh has been named SVP real estate. Ramesh will report to Matt Appel, chief administrative officer.

York, Pa. -- As part of a real estate realignment strategy, The Bon-Ton Stores Inc. on Tuesday said it will close two of its department stores, one in Pennsylvania and the other in Ohio, when their leases expire in early 2012.

The company said it plans to close its store in the West Manchester Mall in York, Pa., in January, and its Elder-Beerman store in the Northwest Mall in Dayton, Ohio, which will shut down in February.

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Stein Mart said Monday it has completed a new $100 million senior secured revolving credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. to replace an existing $150 million revolving credit facility, which was maturing in early 2012.

The new facility can be increased to $150 million and matures in February 2017. The revolving credit is for general corporate purposes, including issuing standby and commercial letters of credit, and provides an additional source of liquidity, according to Stein Mart.

MINNEAPOLIS — The unexpected announcement that Target EVP and CFO Doug Scovanner will retire on March 31, 2012 has investors speculating about the reasons for his departure following the recent exit of other key executives.

Analysts at Bernstein Research pointed to the fact that no successor has been named, suggesting that the retirement was not a long planned for event. However, the firm said it believes that despite the unexpected news, this appears to be a true retirement and doesn't anticipate seeing Scovanner in a CFO role at another major company.

Indianapolis -- Kite Realty Group said that The Flying Cupcake has leased 856 sq. ft. at Rivers Edge Shopping Center, located in Indianapolis.

Rivers Edge, recently renovated, is anchored by Nordstrom Rack, Buy Buy Baby, The Container Store, Harry & Izzy’s and soon Arhaus Furniture. The total GLA is 152,575 sq. ft.

Chicago -- A report released Tuesday by retail foot traffic counter ShopperTrak identified the 10 holiday shopping days that will make or break the period for retailers.

“Since Christmas falls on different calendar days each year, the shift impacts which days are the busiest,” said ShopperTrak co-founder Bill Martin. “Some change in ranking or drop off completely.”

Dallas -- Zale Corp. said Monday it has appointed Subha Ramesh as senior VP real estate, effective immediately.

Ramesh, who will report to chief administrative officer Matt Appel, was previously senior VP of Hilco Real Estate. Prior to that, she spent eight years at Limited Brands as senior VP real estate and as VP real estate for Intimate Brands.

New York City -- Winick Realty Group said Tuesday that Maurice Badler Fine Jewelry has signed a long-term lease for its 954-sq.-ft. flagship store at 485 Park Avenue, between 58th and 59th Streets on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

The new store is scheduled to open in early November.