News

First Look: Lululemon opens London flagship
Lululemon Athletica has opened a community-centric, European flagship on Regent Street in London. The two-level, 6,344-sq.-ft. store is the brand’s second largest in the world, second only to its New York flagship. Designed by Dalziel & Pow, London, the new Lululemon combines the latest in technology with a locally-inspired design and community experiences. A palette of greys and marbles with hints of bronze help make for a soothing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city streets.
$33 million renovation planned for Hawaii’s largest mall
Washington Prime Group has announced a $33 million renovation plan of Pearlridge Center in Aiea, Hawaii, near Pearl Harbor. The 1.2 million-sq.-ft. property is the largest retail center in the state, consisting of Uptown and Downtown complexes joined by a monorail.

Survey: Retail execs optimistic about 2017

Retailers executives are bullish on 2017. That’s according to a survey from TD Bank, which polled 173 retail executives at the National Retail Federation’s annual Big Show in New York City. Seventy-four percent of the retailers said they believe sales will increase in the next 12 months. What’s more, 81% of the retailers reported that they met or exceeded their revenue goals in 2016. In other key findings:
Warby Parker, Palo Alto, Calif.

Warby Parker has set up shop in downtown Palo Alto in a Spanish Colonial Revival building built in 1927. The hot eyewear retailer has a knack for combining its signature library-inspired design details, which include walnut shelving, terrazzo tiled flooring, and plush leather seating, with unique elements in each location. In Palo Alto, a mural of original illustrations by artist Maira Kalman adds color and a touch of humor.
Fast-growing home décor retailer taps Sally Beauty exec as chief marketer

At Home has appointed veteran marketer Ashley Sheetz as chief marketing officer. Sheetz was formerly chief marketing officer and group VP at Sally Beauty, where she led a turn-around strategy to reposition and modernize the brand. Prior to that, Sheetz held a variety of marketing leadership roles at GameStop before being appointed chief marketing officer in 2012.
President of struggling Banana Republic to depart

The search is on for a new president of Banana Republic, which has had a hard time finding its footing amid dismal same-store sales results. Gap Inc. said Tuesday that company veteran Andi Owen, global brand president for Banana Republic, will leave the retailer in late February. Gap CEO Art Peck will directly oversee the brand until the company finds a replacement.
Microsoft taps LinkedIn exec to head up tech

Kevin Scott is joining Microsoft in the newly created role of chief technology officer (CTO). Scott most recently served senior VP of infrastructure at LinkedIn, which Microsoft purchased in June for $26 billion.
PwC: Outlook good for deal activity in 2017

A combination of factors, including innovation, cross-border deal interest and the availability of cash reserves, bodes well for deal activity in the retail and consumer markets. That’s according to a review by PwC, which reported that the retail and consumer deals market ended 2016 with an increase in deal volume and a decline in deal value when compared to 2015.
Office Depot ups the ante on workforce management

The omnichannel experience continues to raise the bar on the customer experience at Office Depot — all while taking a toll on labor.
Coming soon: Target Pay?

Target Corp. is entering the mobile payments arena. Following similar moves by such competitors as Walmart and Kohl’s, the discounter plans to introduce mobile payment features to one or more of its own apps, according to a report by Recode.
CEO of women’s apparel chain out in abrupt departure

The CEO of Lane Bryant has stepped down just four months after receiving a big promotion. Linda Heasley has resigned as chief executive of plus-sized apparel retailers Lane Bryant and Catherines, which are owned by Ascena Retail, The New York Post reported. Heasley was appointed CEO of Lane Bryant in 2013, after a successful six year stint as chief executive of The Limited. She was given the additional title of CEO of Catherines this past October as part of a company reorganization.
Elion spruces up Jupiter center

Following its success in renovating another center in the Florida town of Jupiter, Elion Partners had embarked on a renovation of Jupiter Reserve, which will be re-christened as Pennock Square. Plans for the 43,172-sq.-ft. center include a cosmetic makeover to a more contemporary look, new signage, and parking and landscaping upgrades. Elion’s re-do of the nearby Fresh Market Village inspired the effort.