eCommerce

Feeling confident that the worst is behind them, most retailers are ready to expand again as they turn their attention from steadying the ship to actively growing their business. That’s the big takeaway from Retail Horizons: Benchmarks for 2010, Forecasts for 2011 report. The annual study, sponsored by KPMG and the National Retail Federation Foundation, is widely acknowledged as the definitive state of the industry report.

New York City -- Athletic goods and footwear company Asics has opened an ultra-modern flagship in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The two-level store, located next to the city's legendary Vondelpark running center, has a sleek, futuristic design and offers several exclusive services, including advanced biomechanical and running analysis systems. Click here to see photos.

Irvine, Calif. -- KTGY Group, Architecture and Planning, said that Diane's Beachwear will be opening its newest store in Scottsdale, Ariz., at the Scottsdale Quarter in early March.

The new 1,200-sq.-ft. flagship store represents the 19-store chain's debut outside of California. KTGY is the architect for the new Diane's Beachwear store.   Skyline Development and Construction of Norco, Calif., is the general contractor.

Dallas -- X Team International, an international alliance of retail real estate advisors, said Tuesday that Venture Commercial, through its Venturetainment division, assisted with site-selection efforts and completed two leases for global visitor attraction operator Merlin Entertainments Group to bring two of its iconic attraction brands to the Texas market for the first time.

San Francisco -- Williams-Sonoma said Tuesday that its board has approved a $125 million stock repurchase program.

The retailer said the new program will likely be completed by January 2012. It does not have an expiration date. The company said it had completed a $65 million stock repurchase program approved in September 2010.

Williams-Sonoma, which runs Pottery Barn, West Elm, its namesake stores and other brands, had about 105.1 million outstanding shares as of Nov. 28, 2010.

Boston -- Gordon Brothers Group, a global investment, lending and advisory firm, and WME, a leading talent agency, jointly announced the formation of a strategic partnership to identify, acquire and often revitalize undervalued, distressed or orphaned consumer product and retail brands.

Currently, Gordon Brothers Group and WME are evaluating a host of potential brands to acquire. Some of Gordon Brothers Group's current brand investments include Linens 'N Things and The Sharper Image.

New York City -- Barneys Co-Op, in Brooklyn, N.Y., won top honors in Chain Store Age’s 29th annual Store of the Year Retail Design Competition, which attracted entries from around the globe. Taking inspiration from the avant-garde art galleries that abound in the area, the 9,400-sq.-ft. store is in-tune with the emerging character of the neighborhood while being respectful of Brooklyn’s history. The space has a hip, upscale industrial look that feels right at home in the locale.

Santa Monica, Calif. -- Privately held European women’s apparel retailer, Desigual, said it has leased nearly 6,400 sq. ft. on the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica from landlord Promenade Gateway, an affiliate of Maxxam Enterprises.

The store will serve as Desigual’s flagship West Coast location. The retailer currently has more than 170 retail locations and approximately 450 shop-in-shops in major department stores across Europe and Asia.

Corpus Christi, Texas -- La Palmera shopping center, located in Corpus Christi, Texas, said it has launched a new smart phone application designed for all smart phone platforms, including Android, Blackberry and iPhone.

The new app, in development since September 2010, officially launched with a La Palmera Facebook posting to its 6,600 fans.

Atlanta -- Columbia, S.C.-based Edens & Avant announced that Ulta, along with additional retailers and restaurants, will open at its Merchant’s Walk open-air center in the East Cobb area of Atlanta.