Department Store

Veteran J.C. Penney merchant John Tighe has been elevated to fill the role of executive VP and chief merchant held by Liz Sweney who is retiring.

The change, announced Sept. 23, was effective immediately. Tighe and Sweeney joined the company in 2002 and 2000, respectively, and Sweney served as chief merchant since March 2012. She will remain with the company in an advisory role through year end.

Neiman Marcus reported modest sales and a reduced loss for fourth quarter as it eyes an initial public stock offering and a bright omnichannel future.

Neiman Marcus posted a net loss of $32.9 million for the fourth quarter, compared to a net loss of $42.1 million in the year ago period.

Revenues at the company’s 43 full-line department stores and 42 Last Call off-price stores increased 4.9% to $1.17 billion. Same-store sales increased 1.9% for the fourth quarter ended Aug. 1.

Cincinnati -- Steiner + Associates and Bucksbaum Retail Properties released the names of 24 additional retailers to join super-regional, mixed-use Liberty Center in Cincinnati, which is scheduled for a grand opening on Oct. 22.

The 64 acre, 1.2 million sq. ft. Liberty Center is located at the junction of the Liberty Way Interchange at I-75 and SR 129 in Cincinnati. The project includes more than 800,000 sq. ft. of retail, restaurants and entertainment, 75,000 sq. ft. of office space, 240 luxury apartments and the 130-key hotel.

Holiday sales will increase between 3.5% and 4%, slower than last year’s 5.2% growth, as favorable economic tailwinds are offset by lingering negatives, according to an annual forecast by Deloitte’s Retail and Distribution Practice.

The top-ranked home appliance e-commerce website has been identified.

According to the new J.D. Power 2015 Appliance Shopper Website Evaluation Study, Lowe's ranks highest among appliance retailer websites, with a score of 848 out of 1,000, up by nine points from 2014.

Global retail estate company Simon is looking to the Internet for its latest development. Simon is launching Simon SAID, a lifestyle-focused digital platform.

Simon SAID delivers editorial content on fashion, beauty, design, culture and food that links back to offerings available at Simon centers nationwide. The platform will utilize influencers, bloggers and retail partners to create original content featuring products sold at Simon retailers, from clothing and accessories to home decor and food.

Dallas -- Cypress Equities Cos. announced that it has hired Lance Taylor, director of asset management.

Taylor brings 25 years of experience in commercial real estate with varied responsibilities that include underwriting, acquisition, asset management, leasing, land development, receivership and dispositions. Lance’s background includes Archon Group, Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management, Jones Lang LaSalle America’s, Inc. and Stream Realty Partners, L.P.

Macy’s Inc. relatively new to the outlet sector but it’s making up for lost time.

On the heels of the debut of its Macy’s Backstage off-price format and the news that it would close up to 40 underperforming namesake stores, the retailer announced it will open two Bloomingdale’s Outlet stores in November, at The Shops at Liberty Place in Philadelphia, and at Westfield Mission Valley in San Diego.