DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION

After a nearly two-year absence, Toys "R" Us is returning to Times Square — but not on a permanent basis.  

Global retail and brand consultancy Fitch has appointed Andy Barlow creative director.     Barlow will relocate from the U.K. to lead multi-disciplinary creative teams, and work closely with the leadership across North America to grow and broaden the region’s offer. With over 25 years of design experience, agency and client side, Barlow has worked with Tesco, Harrods, and Amazon among others.

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. has brought its updated store environment to Tysons Corner Center, Tysons, Va.   The location is one of seven new concept stores the retailer will open by yearend. Abercrombie debuted the new look in February, at Polaris Fashion Mall in Columbus, Ohio. It has also opened at Lenox Square, Atlanta, Georgia, and at Somerset North, Troy, Michigan (Somerset North).  

Timberland has opened a new concept store that will be completely transformed with a new theme and products every six weeks.  

Hunter, best known for its signature rain boots, is expanding its fledgling retail footprint.   The iconic British brand will make its North American freestanding retail debut in October, at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto.   

Target is hitting the books.  

The Tile Shop is entering the most populous metropolitan market in Texas   The specialty retailer of manufactured and natural stone tiles has opened its first store in the Houston market, in the suburb of Webster. Throughout 2017, The Tile Shop will open several other stores in the greater Houston area, including a second location in mid-August, in Sugar Land. With the two Houston openings, the retailer will have a total of 132 stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia,   

Dick's Sporting Goods will be busy in August, opening five stores in three different states.   The nation's largest sporting goods retailer will open two namesake stores and three Field & Stream stores in the first half of August. In Prosper, Texas, Dick's and Field & Stream will open under one roof at the Gates of Prosper. And in Houston, Dick's will open at Post Oak Shopping Center.