Department Store

Washington, D.C. -- Retail sales (excluding automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) will increase 4.1% in 2015, up from 3.5% in 2014, according to the National Retail Federation’s 2015 economic forecast. The increase would mark the biggest annual growth since 2011 when retail sales for the year increased 5.1%. Non-store sales in 2015 are expected to grow between 7% and 10%.

Charlotte, N.C. -- Crescent Communities has unveiled plans for a mixed-use, transit-oriented development that will bring Uptown Charlotte its first Whole Foods Market. The company’s plans for the 5.4-acre site at the Lynx Light Rail’s Stonewall Station, in Charlotte, North Carolina, define a new model of urban living for the area and complement its Tryon Place mixed-use development to redefine the city’s Stonewall corridor.

Hudson, Ohio -- Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores has named a 25-year retailing veteran, former Shopko exec Jill Soltau, as president, CEO and a member of the board, effective March 2. She succeeds Jim Kerr, who has served as interim CEO since August when Travis Smith stepped down. Kerr will continue as executive VP and CFO.

Plano, Texas -- J.C. Penney Co. said it plans to expand its in-store Disney shop concept, currently featured in 565 stores, to an additional 116 stores this year. The retailer also announced a collaboration with the upcoming Disney live-action "Cinderella" movie, including the sale of apparel, dolls and a "deluxe" ball gown with "make-believe 'glass'" slippers based on the costume in the movie.

DDR Corp.'s board of directors has promoted David Oakes to the chief executive officer post.

Oakes, the company's president and chief financial officer, fills a seat left empty by Daniel Hurwitz, who stepped down as CEO in December.

"After a thorough and robust search process, the board is confident that David is the right person to lead DDR into the future," Terry Ahern, the company's chairman, said. "I also want to thank the team for the terrific job that they have done while the board conducted the search process."

New York -- This special report from Chain Store Age offers a recap of the issues and trends that surfaced at the NRF’s 2015 Annual Convention & Expo (the “Big Show”).

Download the report here and read about retailing’s global outlook, the outlook for online spending, the changing luxury market, hot technology trends and more.

New York -- Cushman & Wakefield announced today that the real estate firm has been appointed exclusive leasing agent for the retail space at 2 Herald Square.

Located in the heart of Manhattan’s largest shopping district, 2 Herald Square touts 60,500 sq. ft. of available space spread among three floors. It features a 75-ft. storefront right across from Macy’s, and neighbors including H&M’s new Herald Square flagship, The Gap, and Victoria’s Secret’s international flagship.

Niles, Ohio -- Major changes are in store for the retail lineup at the Eastwood Mall Complex, a Cafaro Company shopping center in Niles, Ohio. H&M will open a new 20,000-sq.-ft. store on center court by early fall. Everything Buckeyes, which currently occupies that space, will move to its new location in the Sears Concourse, reopening in mid-March.