Department Store

The TJX Companies will debut a new, off-price home store concept in August.    HomeSense will open its initial U.S. location on  August 17, in Framingham, Mass.  Three additional stores are planned by the end of 2017, with locations in East Hanover, N.J., Ocean Township, N.J., and Westwood, Mass.  

Retail tenant specialist Jack Gray has joined Mid-America Real Estate’s Minnesota operation. He will be representing clients that include Starbucks, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Mills Fleet Farm.   Gray arrives at Mid-America from an internship on Cushman & Wakefield Northmarq’s industrial brokerage team.   Gray is a recent graduate of University of St. Thomas, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in marketing.  

Beleagured Sears Holdings is borrowing yet more money from CEO Eddie Lampert's hedge fund.    Lampert's hedge fund, ESL Investments, has agreed to give the company a new line of credit, valued at $200 million. On July 13, Lampert's ESL Partners entered into a short-term line of credit loans, which carry a maturity date of 151 days and a fixed interest rate of 9.75% per year, Sears said.  

Ross Stores continues to build out its store footprint at an aggressive pace.   The off-price retailer opened 21 Ross Dress for Less stores and seven dd's Discounts locations across 15 different states in June and July. The openings are part of the company's plans to add approximately 70 Ross and 20 dd's locations in 2017.   

It's a nightmare for brides-to-be.  

A wholesale club giant beats out specialty retailers to rank as the nation's favorite home furnishings retailer.    Costco Wholesale Corp. is ranks first among consumers when it comes to home furnishings, according to a study by Market Force Information. With a composite loyalty score of 72%, Costco earned the top spot. But Ikea was a close second, with a score of 70%.    

A luxury department store retailer has lost its first-ever cyber security chief.   Sarah Hendrickson has left her post as Neiman Marcus’ chief security information officer, reported D Margazine. She joined the company in November 2014, the first executive to hold the position. Neiman Marcus introduced the role following its high profile data breach in 2013.  

The parent company of Famous Footwear is expanding its men's and international operations.    Caleres has tapped Malcolm Robinson as president of the company’s new men’s and international division. He will oversee the strategic growth initiatives for the Caleres men’s brands, as well as expand an international footprint across the company’s portfolio.