Retail Stores

Uniqlo is launching its U.S. expansion with the opening of a flagship store in Manhattan that will anchor a global push to rely less on its home market of Japan. In addition to the Fifth Avenue location, opening today, Uniqlo is also opening a store in New York's Herald Square next week, bringing its U.S. total to three locations. The new stores will be the chain's two biggest.

Department store chain Stage Stores announced plans to launch a chain of off-price stores for small-town America called Steele's. The new concept will sell clothes, accessories and home décor at prices that are 30 percent to 60 percent lower than other department stores.

BRAVADA International announced it will be opening the first "World of Leggings" retail store in Los Angeles this weekend. World of Leggings will carry over 1000 different styles of leggings, tights, intimates, bodysuits and more in dozens of colors, styles, fabrics and designs.

The photo of First Lady Michelle Obama shopping at Target made news because it's thought her retail forays are rare. But Mrs. Obama said she goes out more "than people realize."

John Malkovich is bringing his eclectic touch to Milan. The actor has opened a temporary store, named OpificioJm, in the city's Golden Triangle luxury shopping area. In addition to his Technobohemian collection, which Malkovich launched in 2009 and which includes men's apparel and accessories, OpificioJm will carry a range of products, from pieces of furniture to ultralight wood frames and a selection of wines and Italian food specialties.

Urban Outfitters has been busy capitalizing on Native American culture with items such as the "Navajo Hipster Panty." Apparently, these types of products were enough to warrant a cease and desist letter. According to Sasha Houston Brown, Urban Outfitters has already received such a notice from the Navajo Nation Attorney General, who also doesn't seem too keen on things like a Navajo-print flask.

The NRF Foundation, the education arm of the National Retail Federation, announced the launch of the National Retail Federation Student Association, which will offer member students the opportunity to leverage NRF’s vast retail network to take advantage of education and networking opportunities.

The Retail Industry Leaders Association has released the results of the 2011 Crime Trends and Leading Practices Survey, a comprehensive look at the past year's trends in crimes against businesses from the perspective of the country's leading retailers. S

Footwear designer Jean-Michel Cazabat has opened his first U.S. store in New York City's West Village. The retail space is inspired by Cazabat's own modern, eclectic SoHo loft apartment. It incorporates the vibrant signature colors of Cazabat's shoe line — Napoleon Blue on the entrance wall and a "rouge taureau" ottoman — both colors seen throughout Cazabat's own home.

With the holidays fast approaching, many retailers are looking to beef up their gift card offerings. Since Home Depot’s gift card program is one of the largest in the U.S., Forbes requested the advice of their Director of Gift Cards Spencer Allen.