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New York -- The death of the mall has been highly exaggerated, according to data released Monday by the International Council of Shopping Centers and the National Council of Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries. Among the highlights: Shopping center occupancy rates were 92.7% at the end of 2014, the highest level since second quarter 2008, according to data released Monday. Occupancy was even higher for the mall segment (combined super-regional and regional malls), at 94.2% at the end of 2014, the highest since the end of 1987.   

Ascena Retail Group has named Brian Lynch, a 35-year fashion and retail industry veteran, as president and CEO of its Justice stores<span style="color: rgb(54, 54, 54); font-family: open_sansregular, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; fo

Minneapolis - Christopher & Banks Corp, has named Edwin J. Holman to its board of directors, following a search process with the assistance of a national search firm. Holman’s election increases the number of board members to nine and the number of independent directors to eight.

Holman is also expected to be a nominee for election at the company’s next annual meeting of stockholders. Holman, 68, served as interim CEO of The Pantry Inc. from October 2011 until March 2012.

Cincinnati – John A. Bryant, chairman, president and CEO of Kellogg Co., has been elected to the Macy’s Inc. board of directors. Bryant, 49, became chairman of the board of Kellogg Co. in July 2014 after serving since January 2011 as president and CEO.

He has been a member of Kellogg’s board of directors since 2010. Prior to becoming CEO, Bryant held a variety of key senior leadership roles, including chief financial officer, president of Kellogg North America, president of Kellogg International and COO.

New York -- From extreme-value discounters to c-store operators, retailers across the board are expanding their brick-and-mortar portfolios in 2015. Here’s a review:

• Dollar General will open 730 new stores and remodel 875 existing locations.

• DSW Inc. will open 35 stores, including locations in at least 12 new markets.

• Express is ramping up its new outlet format with 30 locations.

Belk blamed costs associated with strategic initiatives for its drop in profit in the fourth quarter.

The retailer reported a 7.8% decrease in net income to $146.1 million during the fiscal year that ended Jan. 31, compared with from $158.5 million in fiscal 2014.

Mahwah, N.J. - Brian Lynch, a 35-year fashion and retail industry veteran, has been named president and CEO of Ascena Retail Group’s Justice brand, which is targeted at tween girls. Lynch most recently served as president of Ann Taylor brand. Previously, he held executive positions with Ann Inc.; Gap Inc.; Learningsmit Inc.; and The Walt Disney Co.

Lynch replaces Michael Rayden, who retired in January. Rayden had announced his retirement in October, and Ascena subsequently launched a search for his replacement.

Forbes is reporting that Amazon.com is in the preliminary stages of a deal to buy luxury retailer Net-a-porter, which could be its biggest acquisition ever according to the magazine.

Seattle-based Amazon has been making moves to expand its presence in the world of upscale fashon retailing by increasing its luxury apparel offerings.

Swiss-owned Net-a-porter has been valued at $2 billion euro.