article-4111.xml

RETAILER NEWS

Payless ShoeSource is continuing its efforts to enter high-end markets by opening three new stores in Manhattan under its Fashion Lab format. According to the company, the stores will be located in Manhattan’s trendy Soho, east Midtown and Union Square neighborhoods. The Soho store is the second Payless Fashion Lab in New York City and the 13th now opened nationwide. The company plans to open 15 more flagship stores in fiscal 2007.

VENDOR NEWS

Liz Claiborne Inc. is acquiring a 50% ownership interest in the Narciso Rodriguez name and trademarks and will form a new company to develop the high-end Narciso Rodriguez brand worldwide with Rodriguez as creative director. The Narciso Rodriguez collections are distributed in luxury retailers worldwide including Barney’s New York, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and key specialty stores.

EXECUTIVE NEWS

Goody’s named three new executives earlier this month. Gary Yiatchos joined the company as senior vp and chief marketing officer; Thomas Hughes as senior vp of human resources; and Lori Horn as group vp of merchandising. All three well serve under the leadership of Chuck Turlinski, who joined Goody’s in early 2007 as ceo.