Retail

HOUSTON — The relocation of Saks Fifth Avenue’s flagship store is allowing leading retail real estate firm Simon Property Group to use the space for other purposes, and the retailer to open a two-story, 198,000-sq.-ft. space adjacent to the one it will vacate at the Houston Galleria. 

New York -- Although back-to-school sales were unexpectedly sluggish, retail sales for the month of August benefited from a late boost in store traffic.

Of the retailers still reporting monthly sales – most so far are reporting slight increases in August same-store sales. Retail Metrics forecast an overall August gain of 3.2% year-over-year; retail sales advanced 3.3% during the same period last year.

Costco Wholesale Corp. reported a same-store sales rise of 4% in August, surpassing a forecast 3.8% gain.

HAMPSTEAD, Md. — Although JoS. A. Bank saw decreases across the board for its second quarter, president and CEO R. Neal Black focused on the momentum the company seems to have picked up during August.

Houston -- Saks Inc. will open a new flagship store immediately adjacent to its existing location in the Houston Galleria, featuring 198,000 sq. ft. over two levels and a state-of-the-art store design. The current store will remain open until the new store opens in fall 2015. Once the old store closes, it will be converted to a two-level mall wing connecting the new Saks to Neiman Marcus and adding 35 retailers and restaurants.

Pleasanton, Calif. -- Safeway, Inc. has reached a $600,000 settlement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Justice (DOJ) in regard to violations of the Clean Air Act. The government alleges that Safeway neglected to repair leaks of heat-trapping gas HCFC-22 from its refrigerators in a timely manner or keep proper records of refrigerator maintenance.

New York -- J.C. Penney Co. plans to end its association with the Martha Stewart brand after disappointing sales, according to the New York Post. The report, which cited unidentified sources, said the decision was made by Penney CEO Myron Ullman, who returned to the chain in April following the ouster of Ron Johnson.

Atlanta — Brixx Wood Fired Pizza and Which Wich? Superior Sandwiches have leased restaurant space at The Avenue Peachtree City in Atlanta. Brixx will open Sept. 17 in what will be its third Georgia location.

Which Wich? with more than 50 kinds of sandwiches will make The Avenue is 15th Georgia location.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Kohl’s is adding designer Peter Som to its DesigNation limited-edition collection roster. Some is the fourth designer to join the team.

As part of the Kohl’s DesigNation concept featuring premier designer fashions based on international inspiration, the collection will draw creative influence from Som’s recent trip to St. Barths. The collection features apparel for women and will be available exclusively at Kohl’s and Kohls.com beginning spring 2014.