Confidence up and down
According to the latest TD Economics report, consumer confidence fell in March, yet still hovers at a three-year high.
The consumer confidence index ranked 63.4 in March after February”™s reading of 72 due to a 16.4 percent drop in the expectations sub-index.
However, consumers”™ overall assessment of the current economic environment rose to 36.9, up some from February”™s 33.8.
Consumer confidence is directly tied to the labor market, the report indicated, but consumer sentiment can be disproportionately impacted by world events, such as the Japanese natural disasters, unrest in the Middle East and rising oil prices.
Retail on campus
Faust Harrison Piano Center will occupy a 24,000-square-foot space directly adjacent to the Music Conservatory of Westchester”™s Central Avenue address in White Plains.
It is set to open early this summer.
Faust Harrison Pianos is an independent retailer of new, used and refurbished pianos in the New York metropolitan region.
The Music Conservatory of Westchester serves 3,700 students. The partnership with Faust Harrison Piano Center will add performance spaces, equipment and class-tour capabilities to the organization”™s offerings.
Mamaroneck acquisitions
Houlihan-Parnes Realtors in White Plains represented the buyer of 122-134 Mamaroneck Ave., Mamaroneck, seven retail stores totaling 5,500 square feet, for an undisclosed amount. There is currently one vacancy.
The group of investors, represented by Richard Hendey of Houlihan Parnes, plan to expand and fully renovate the buildings, installing new facades.
Business 101 at Bloomie”™s
Stylist Sandy Hapoienu”™s visual merchandising students are exhibiting eco-friendly fabrications this month at Bloomingdale”™s in White Plains.
An adjunct professor at Westchester Community College and owner of company Styling Session, Hapoienu challenged students to select a country for inspiration and to create eco-friendly, sustainable garments for display in honor of Earth Day.
Bloomingdale”™s customers then vote for their favorite display and the winning WCC student receives an in-store experience.
Westchester Community College”™s green Gateway Center features a high-tech fashion classroom lab, designed to prepare students for careers as retail buyers, managers and apparel merchandisers.
Simon Fashion Now
Simon Property Group Inc., a national owner and developer of retail real estate, has launched a series of high-energy runway fashion shows for consumers across the country.
The Westchester in White Plains will host Simon Fashion Now in conjunction with White Plains Hospital on Friday, May 6, and Saturday, May 7.
“The Simon Fashion Now tour allows our malls to become the source for the season”™s most accessible trends,” Jacqué Ellis, assistant vice president of corporate special events at Simon, said in a statement. “At each event”¦ guests can connect with our retailers through interactive stations while enjoying an evening of fashion, cocktails, bites and exclusive deals.”
Visit simon.com for information.
