eCommerce

SANDPOINT, Idaho – Coldwater Creek has named a new president and chief merchandising officer.

Jill Brown Dean will replace Georgia Shonk Simmons, who announced her intention to retire.

Dean, who most recently served as president of Limited Too's tween brands division, will join the apparel brand on Feb. 14.

In related news, Jerome Jessup, currently EVP, creative director at the brand, was promoted to president and chief creative officer.

By Rick Caccia, [email protected]

Newport Beach, Calif. -- Grubb & Ellis Co. said Friday that H&M has leased 19,600 sq. ft. of retail space at The Forum in Carlsbad. 

The retailer signed a 10-year lease for the space, which includes a portion of the second level of The Forum. The company will take the majority of the space currently occupied by Borders Direct LLC, which is expected to vacate in spring 2011. 

The retailer, which plans to open its Carlsbad location in summer 2011, now has 2,200 stores in 38 countries.

New York City -- Real estate firm The Feil Organization announced Friday that Tommy Bahama has signed a groundbreaking lease for the opening of its first Manhattan store at 551 First Avenue at 45th Street.

The Seattle-based chain signed a 12-year lease agreement and will occupy 8,500 sq. ft. on the ground, mezzanine and basement levels of the renowned art deco Fred F. French building that is owned and managed by The Feil Organization.

Belgium -- Belgian supermarket operator Delhaize Group said Thursday it plans to spend $1.21 billion opening new stores and remodeling existing outlets.

According to a report by Wall Street Journal, Delhaize, which operates mainly under the U.S. Food Lion, Hannaford and Sweet Bay banners, is making the investments despite a fourth quarter same-store sales decline of 0.8%.

New York City -- New York & Co. announced on Wednesday the appointment of David Witkewicz to executive VP design, effective this month.

Witkewicz will report to Greg Scott, president, and will serve on the company’s executive committee.

Witkewicz was previously VP design for Coach.

New York City -- Amazon.com said Thursday it is buying Lovefilm, a European movie rental service akin to Netflix, according to a report by the Associated Press.

Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Lovefilm operates in the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, Norway and Denmark. Much like Netflix, it is a subscription-based service through which people can rent movies by mail or watch them on TV or any other device with a high-speed Internet connection. The company also offers TV shows and games.

Cincinnati -- A survey released Thursday by Cintas Corp. found that 99% of U.S. adults say poor cleanliness negatively impacts their perception of a retail store.

In the telephone survey conducted by Harris Interactive among more than 1,000 U.S. adults ages 18 and older, respondents said that dirty restrooms and unpleasant odors are more annoying than poor customer service.