Esprit to Shutter All North American Stores
February 03, 2012
Hong Kong-based Esprit Holdings Ltd. plans to shutter all of its North American stores, according to www.bloomberg.com.

Forever 21 Enters France
February 03, 2012
Los Angeles-based Forever 21 Inc. has entered France, with the opening of its first-ever store at the Vélizy 2 shopping mall southwest of Paris, according to www.wwd.com.

Bottom Dollar to Add Seven More Stores in Pennsylvania, Ohio
February 03, 2012
Bottom Dollar, a division of Salisbury, N.C.-based Delhaize America, will open an additional seven new stores in the greater Pittsburgh and Youngstown, Ohio, markets on Feb. 9.

Valentine's Day Spending to Reach $17.6 Billion
February 02, 2012
According to the National Retail Federation's (NRF) 2012 Valentine’s Day Consumer Intentions and Actions survey, conducted by BIGinsight, the average person celebrating the holiday will spend $126.03, up 8.5 percent over last year’s $116.21 and the highest in the survey’s 10-year history.

United Retail Group Files for Bankruptcy Protection
February 02, 2012
Rochelle Park, N.J.-based United Retail Group, owner of the Avenue brand of women’s fashion apparel and a subsidiary of Redcats USA, voluntarily has initiated Chapter 11 proceedings in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, and is pursuing a sale process under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code.

Michael Kors Opens Stores in Barbados, Mexico
February 02, 2012
New York-based Michael Kors (USA) Inc. recently opened lifestyle boutiques in Barbados and Mexico, according to www.wwd.com.

H-E-B Outlines Growth in Texas
February 01, 2012
San Antonio-based H. E. Butt Grocery Co. plans to spend about $100 million to expand, remodel and relocate several of its stores in Austin, Texas, during 2012, according to the Austin American-Statesman.

American Eagle to Enter Israel
February 01, 2012
Pittsburgh-based American Eagle Outfitters Inc. will open its first-ever store in Israel on Feb. 2.

J. Crew to Debut New Concept Store
February 01, 2012
New York-based J. Crew Group Inc. will debut a new concept store—centered around its Ludlow men’s suit—in New York on Feb. 29, according to www.wwd.com.

Starbucks Enters India
January 31, 2012
Seattle-based Starbucks Corp. and Tata Global Beverages Ltd.—the world's second-largest branded tea company—have announced a joint-venture agreement, which will result in the coffee giant entering India for the first time.

DS&L Adds New Sales Manager
February 02, 2012
Itasca, Ill.-based Display Supply & Lighting Inc. has announced that Michael Sunseri has joined the company as its sales manager for the Nevada market.

NRF Elects New Board of Directors Members
February 02, 2012
The National Retail Federation (NRF) has announced the addition of five retail executives elected to serve on its board of directors.

Prime Retail Services Announces Promotion
February 02, 2012
Gainesville, Ga.-based Prime Retail Services Inc. has promoted Bob Windham to project manager.

F. C. Dadson Names New Account Executive
January 30, 2012
Greenville, Wis.-based F. C. Dadson has named Joei Vander Kooy as the newest member of its sales team.

SPC Launches New Website
January 30, 2012
Chino, Calif.-based SPC Retail Display Group has launched a new website—www.spcretaildisplaygroup.com.

ASID Announces New EVP, CEO
January 30, 2012
The Washington, D.C.-based American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) has named Randy W. Fiser as its new executive vice president and CEO.

FRCH Adds New Staff Members
January 26, 2012
Cincinnati-based FRCH Design Worldwide has added three new staff members to its team.

MSA Hires New Senior Designer
January 26, 2012
San Francisco-based MSA Planning and Design Consultants Inc. has added Margot Criscitiello to its design team.

Progressive AE Launches Momentum Website
January 26, 2012
Grand Rapids, Mich.-based research-guided architectural and engineering design firm Progressive AE has launched a new website, called Momentum, to reach retailers on a national level.

Philips Lumileds Names New CEO
January 23, 2012
San Jose, Calif.-based Philips Lumileds has appointed Pierre Yves Lesaicherre as its new CEO.