Department Store

The Oaks, a 39-year-old Macerich-owned property in Thousand Oaks, California, has been awarded the first BREEAM green standards certification for an in-use building in the U.S.   BRE America, a unit of the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology (BREEAM), bestowed the designation on the Macerich property at an awards event in London this week. BREEAM is the oldest sustainability assessment method for new construction, renovations, and in-use properties.  

Express Inc.’s profit plunged 59% in its fourth quarter amid increased discounting and weak mall traffic.    In reporting its fourth quarter results, the apparel retailer said it plans to improve its merchandise mix through a more curated selection.   Express’ profit decreased 59% to $22.8 million in the quarter ended Jan. 28, in line with expectations, as earnings per share fell to $0.29, from $0.67 in the year-ago period.   .

Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th announced plans for two new stores in Canada.   The retailer plans to open a location at CF Markville in Markham, Ontario. The approximately 27,000 sq. ft. store is scheduled to open in 2018.    “Ontario is a key market for Saks Off 5th in Canada and we’re excited to continue to grow our presence there,” commented Jonathan Greller, president, Saks Off 5th and Gilt, which are part of Hudson’s Bay Company.  

The parent of Men's Wearhouse, Jos. A. Bank and other menswear brand reported lower sales in its fourth quarter amid soft traffic across its brands.    Tailored Brands reported sales of $793.3 million in the quarter ended Jan. 28, down from $826 million a year ago. The company closed 232 stores in 2016.    The company lost 62 cents a share in the quarter, more than expected, compared with a loss of $21.86 a share in the same period a year ago.   

Brixmor Property Group has purchased Arborland Center, a 404,000-sq.-ft. center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for $102 million. The center is anchored by Kroger and Nordstrom Rack and is situated between the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University.

Urban Outfitters Inc. ended its fiscal year more or less on target.    The retailer on Tuesday reported net income of $64.3 million, or 55 cents a share, just one cent shy of analysts’ estimates, and down from $72.9 million, or 61 cents a share, in the year ago period.   Total net sales rose 2% to $1.03 billion, matching Street forecasts.  

Brixmor Property Group has purchased Arborland Center, a 404,000-sq.-ft. center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for $102 million. The center is anchored by Kroger and Nordstrom Rack and is situated between the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University.  

New parents working at Nordstrom are about to get a break.   Starting May 1, the department store retailer will offer up to 12 weeks of fully paid leave to birth mothers, and up to six weeks of fully paid leave to other new parents, the Seattle Times reported.    Nordstrom’s current maternity leave policy is six weeks of disability paid at 60% for birth mothers.