Department Store

Online home furnishings and decor retailer One Kings Lane is making its temporary foray into brick-and-mortar retail more permanent.   The retailer opened its first-ever physical location, a seasonal pop-up in the posh resort town of Southampton, New York, at the beginning of summer. But the company said the response to the temporary store was so positive that it has decided to make it a permanent space.  

PREIT, which has long been pursuing a strategy of unloading underperforming malls from its portfolio, announced it has sold the Logan Valley Mall for $33.2 million net of credits issued to the buyer. The new owner’s identity was not released.   The Altoona, Pennsylvania, mall -- anchored by Macy's, J.C. Penney and Sears -- had been turning in sales-per-square-foot of $324 versus an average of $475 for the rest of the PREIT portfolio.  

Destination Maternity is looking for a new chief executive.   The struggling maternity apparel retailer said that Anthony M. Romano is stepping down as president, CEO and board member as part of a mutual agreement, effective Sept. 7. Romano has served in the role since 2014, and, prior to that, was president and CEO of Charming Shoppes. His departure follows the recent termination of an agreement for Destination Maternity to be acquired by France's Orchestra-Prémaman.  

The National Retail Federation on Wednesday has lowered its annual retail sales forecast, citing government data revisions.   Retail sales for 2017 are now expected to increase between 3.2% and 3.8%, down from the 3.7% - 4.2% growth the NRF predicted earlier this year. The revision comes after the Census Bureau lowered its retail sales figures, and the Bureau of Economic Analysis downgraded its personal income and consumption figures.   

Aptos has tapped an industry veteran to assist retailers on their transformation journeys.   The retail technology solution provider has named Vicki Cantrell as its retail transformation officer. In this newly created position, she will oversee Aptos functions for business consulting and strategy, value engineering, and strategic account management. Cantrell will also leverage her retail background to advise and support Aptos customers as they reinvent their businesses for omnichannel growth, profitability and customer loyalty.

Two experienced retail executives have joined the management team of the parent company of such brands as Men's Wearhouse and Jos.A. Bank.   

Yet another traditional retailer is partnering with Amazon, as the online behemoth continues to expand its presence in brick-and- mortar stores.    Kohl's plans to add an Amazon "smart home experience' in-store shop, or "zone," in 10 select Kohl’s locations across the Los Angeles and Chicago areas starting in October. The spaces will allow shoppers to try out and purchase Amazon devices, accessories and smart home devices and services directly from the online retailer.  

David Yurman has opened his first boutique on Michigan Avenue in Chicago.    Conceived by the Yurmans, the 3,250-sq.-ft. space reflects the brand's aesthetic and the family's unique artistic expression, and has a two-story historical façade that was maintained and restored to its original condition. The entrance lobby features a heritage wall that visually narrates the Yurmans' journey from art to jewelry with examples of David's early sculptures and wearable art pieces alongside more current designs.