Retail

Fort Worth, Texas -- Cypress Equities, the developers of West 7th in Fort Worth, Texas, announced that Kona Grill will open a new restaurant location within the mixed-use development later this year.

The new 7,500-sq.-ft. restaurant marks Kona Grill’s fifth Texas location and second in the DFW metroplex.

Suffern, N.Y. -- Ascena Retail Group, parent to the Lane Bryant, Maurices and Dressbarn banners among others, said Monday it has named Erin Stern EVP and chief merchandising officer of its Maurices brand, effective April 15.

Stern spent the majority of her career at Gap in the Old Navy division, and also served as chief merchant for Juicy Couture and president of Bebe Sport.

Bergen, N.J. -- Vitamin Shoppe said Monday it has opened its first international franchised Vitamin Shoppe store, located in Panama City. The store, which opened March 4, is owned and operated by franchisee Reprico.

"We're excited to partner with Reprico and bring the Vitamin Shoppe to Panama," said Musab Balbale, director of new business for the Vitamin Shoppe. "Our focus on delighting the customer with knowledge and great service will make us a trusted source for our customers in Panama."

New York -- Howard Schultz, founder and CEO of Starbucks Coffee Company, has never been one to shy away from taking a stand. Last week, at the chain’s annual meeting of shareholders in Seattle, one shareholder questioned Schultz over the company’s support of same-sex marriage, including the same-sex marriage referendum in the state of Washington.

Boulder, Col. -- More consumers are trying new fashion retailers this year compared to last year – and most are buying when they do. H&M is the retailer that consumers reported visiting for the first time most often, followed by Kohl’s, Macy’s, Abercrombie & Fitch and Forever 21.

Atlanta -- Jones Lang LaSalle’s Capital Markets announced that the firm has closed the sale of Bethesda Walk in the Lawrenceville suburb of Atlanta, on behalf of DLC Management Corp., Tarrytown, N.Y.

Solon Mack Real Estate purchased the 68,271-sq.-ft. shopping center, which is anchored by a 44,271-sq.-ft. Walmart Neighborhood Market that opened in mid-2012.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

As part of a multi-phase revitalization of The Wilder Cos.’ Wayside property in Burlington, Mass., the company announced that Ethan Allen and Starbucks, along with Potbelly Sandwich Shop, will open in high-visibility locations.

Camp Hill, Pa. -- Philadelphia-based Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust announced that DSW has opened a 17,500-sq.-ft. store at PREIT’s Capital City Mall property, located in Camp Hill, Pa.

The mall completed the space for DSW — the retailer’s first in the area — by building on an additional 5,000 sq. ft.