Department Store

Kansas City, Kan. -- OTB Destination, LLC announced that Chico’s and Soma Intimates outlet concepts will open at Legends Outlets Kansas City in June. Both concepts are new to the region.

Secaucus, N.J. -- The Children's Place Retail Stores said Wednesday it has appointed James Bruce Marshall as senior VP and managing director, International Business Development, effective March 24. He will report directly to Jane Elfers, president and CEO.

Marshall was previously senior VP and managing director international development and operations, for Claire's Stores, where he was responsible for joint venture and franchise operations across 23 countries.

SECAUCUS, N.J. -- The Children's Place Retail Stores has announced the appointment of James Bruce Marshall as SVP and managing director international business development, effective March 24. He will report directly to Jane Elfers, president and CEO.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- Sears Holdings announced that it has been named the 2011 Energy Star Partner of the Year (Product Retailer Category) by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This is the second year running that Sears Holdings has been awarded this honor for empowering its customers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and through its numerous initiatives focusing on educating customers about energy-efficient products.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Sears Holdings Corp. said Tuesday it was named 2011 Energy Star partner of the year in the product retailer category by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The award is Sears’ second consecutive.

"This award is a reflection of the significant commitment our entire organization has made to promote energy efficiency and help our customers make changes that allow them to save money," said Lou D'Ambrosio, CEO and president of Sears Holdings.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Label-lovers aside, designer shoes -- even discounted designer shoes -- are considered discretionary items by most consumers, and the fact that DSW had such a strong quarter is indeed a good sign that the middle-income consumer is feeling more confident about her economic situation.

Ann Arbor, Mich. -- Borders Group is expected to announce that another 75 stores will be closed.

Mike Edwards, president, in a conference call said that the additional store closings would come from a group of 140 "bubble stores" that had already been identified for possible closings.

The bookseller previously said it would close 200 stores when it announced it had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Feb. 16. At the time, the retailer said another 75 could be closed. The new round of stores has not yet been identified.

SECAUCUS, N.J.  -- The Children's Place Retail Stores has announced the appointment of Michael Giannelli as SVP design, effective March 28, 2011. He will report to Natalie Levy, EVP merchandising and design.

Giannelli spent 18 years with Gap Inc., culminating in his appointment as VP Gap Body. For 12 years of his tenure with the company, he designed children's apparel and non-apparel for Gap Kids and Baby Gap. Most recently, Giannelli held the position of SVP design for Ann Taylor Loft.