Department Store

Seattle -- Nordstrom announced plans to relocate its full-line Westfield University Towne Center (UTC) department store in San Diego to a new space within the evolving mall.

The new two-level, 145,000-sq.-ft. Nordstrom store will open in 2017 as part of Westfield UTC’s resort-inspired redevelopment, which is adding specialty shops, restaurants, entertainment, sustainable design features and family-friendly amenities, as well as structured parking.

Most U.S. retailers make their first international foray in contiguous markets such as Canada or Mexico for obvious reasons. However, for those interested in massive growth potential who have a long term perspective a more exotic market beckons.

New York -- Specialty fashion retailer Express has entered the booming outlet mall sector, opening its first-ever outlet store, at Tanger Outlets National Harbor center in Washington, D.C. The retailer plans to open approximately 30 additional factory outlet locations throughout the United States in 2014, targeting such top markets as Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Las Vegas, New York and other top markets.

Mall-based specialty retailer Express opened its first outlet store at a Tanger outlet mall near Washington, D.C., and has plans for 30 more locations this year.

The operator of 630 predominantly mall-based stores had previously shunned outlet locations, but now views the popular venues as a growth opportunity.

DSW has appointed former Shopko executive Mary Meixelsperger as CFO, effective May 1. Meixelsperger replaces Douglas Probst, who is retiring from DSW on the same day.

"We are pleased that Mary is joining the DSW team," said president and CEO Michael MacDonald. "Mary is a seasoned executive with a breadth of experiences in merger integration, strategic systems planning and implementation, financial analysis and tax planning. With her leadership, we will position DSW for continued growth and progress towards our strategic goals."

Columbus, Ohio -- DSW Inc. has appointed Mary Meixelsperger as CFO effective May 1. Meixelsperger replaces Douglas Probst, who is retiring from DSW on the same day.

Philadelphia -- Urban Outfitters Inc. has appointed Trish Donnelly to the role of president of Urban Outfitters brand, North America, effective July 14. She will report directly to Ted Marlow, CEO, Urban Outfitters Group.

Urban Outfitters has named Trish Donnelly as president of Urban Outfitters brand, North America reporting directly to Ted Marlow, CEO, Urban Outfitters Group, effective July 14.