Department Store

HOUSTON -- Douglas Ewert will become CEO of Men’s Wearhouse effective at the company’s annual shareholders’ meeting on June 15, when founder and current chairman and CEO George Zimmer steps down.

From where I sit, I’ve noticed a certain “buzz” of optimism in our industry -- frustrations and anxieties from a tough couple of years seem to be giving way to increasingly sunny retail sales forecasts. Is this sudden sense of optimism justified by cold, hard facts? Or, is this increasing sense of optimism somewhat irrational?

Cincinnati -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said it has leased restaurant space to Arirang Japanese Bistro at Sycamore Plaza in Cincinnati.

The Japanese Hibachi steak house and sushi restaurant leased 7,600 sq. ft. and is slated to open in the fall. The dining establishment is taking the space formerly occupied by Max & Erma’s restaurant. 

Matthews, N.C. -- Family Dollar Stores announced Monday that it has named Brad Rogers to the position of VP real estate development.

Rogers will report to Keith Gehl, senior VP real estate and facilities.

Rogers began his career at Family Dollar in 1998 as real estate manager. Since joining the company, he has held additional roles in the real estate division, most recently serving as regional VP of the real estate portfolio and new stores.
 

The iPad is an amazing product that offers a wonderful user experience, which is why everyone wants one. It also doesn’t hurt that retailers of all types have become quite aggressive in their promotional efforts on behalf of Apple, since the popular device makes a meaningful contribution to sales in addition to providing those retailers who feature the device with some of that Apple “it” factor.

Houston -- Men's Wearhouse announced Monday that company president and COO Douglas S. Ewert will succeed founder George Zimmer as president and COO, effective June 15.

According to the retailer, the transition is part of a previously announced succession plan.

Ewert, 47, has been nominated by the board to be elected as a director of the company at the annual shareholder meeting and will be included in the list of nominees in the proxy statement for consideration by the shareholders.

Corona, Calif. -- The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos, in Corona, Calif., announced it has changed its name to The Shops at Dos Lagos. This change kicks off the branding re-launch and includes a new logo design, website design, URL address to ShopDosLagos.com, and signage.

Highland Village, Texas -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said it has leased retail space in Highland Village, Texas, at The Shops at Highland Village to The Lash Lounge.

The Lash Lounge has leased 2,000 sq. ft. and is slated to open this summer.

The 352,000-sq.-ft. mixed-use lifestyle center is anchored by AMC 12 Theaters and Barnes & Noble Booksellers alongside national retailers such as Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Bath & Body Works and Potbelly Sandwich Works.