Finance & Capital Management

Canton, Mass. –- Dunkin’ Donuts has signed a multi-unit store development agreement with existing franchisees ABDD Arizona to develop seven restaurants in Phoenix. The group's first restaurant from this franchise agreement opened Oct. 27.  

Unless you are a grandstanding politician, the notion of American apparel production may feel like it was declared dead years ago. Our share of domestically manufactured apparel has dropped from 50% in 1994 to 2.5% in 2012, and this trend shows little sign of reversing on a macro level.  

New York -- The Deloitte Consumer Spending Index marginally dipped in October after two months of consecutive increases. The Index tracks consumer cash flow as an indicator of future consumer spending.    The Index, which comprises four components--tax burden, initial unemployment claims, real wages and real home prices--decreased to 4.1 in October from 4.4 the prior month.      Highlights of the Index include:   

Toronto, Canada –- J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. will reportedly end its agreement to issue credit cards for Sears Canada when the term expires Nov. 15, 2015. According to the Wall Street Journal, in the meantime the two companies will explore opportunities to sell the credit card program to a third party, with Sears Canada receiving as much as $154 million if a sale goes through.  

A Toys“R”Us executive will take over the top post at Brookstone, the product development company and specialty retailer that emerged from bankruptcy this year after being bought by a group of Chinese investors.

“We were impressed by Tom's success at rejuvenating businesses and by his broad and deep achievements as a senior executive in the retail industry,” Piau Phang Foo, chairman of the board of directors, said. “He has demonstrated success at driving innovation and growth globally."

Washington, D.C. -- U.S. retail sales edged up in October, according to a report released by the Commerce Department, evidence that recent job gains and lower gas prices are lifting consumer spending as the holiday shopping season begins. Retail sales rose 0.3% last month after falling by the same amount in September. Excluding gas stations, where falling prices lowered spending, sales rose a solid 0.5%.  

Mississauga, Ontario -- Canadian mall Square One has opened its newly renovated and expanded $60-million North side wing, featuring new stores and enhanced amenities and services in 78,000 sq. ft. The opening marks the completion of the second phase in Square One's multi-phase redevelopment, which will increase retail space to 2.1 million sq. ft. by 2016 and represents a total investment of more than $480 million.  

Altoona, Penn. -- C-store operator Sheetz cut the ceremonial red ribbon to officially open its new Burlington (North Carolina) Distribution Center.    The $33 million facility contains a Sheetz Bros kitchen, distribution and warehousing center for the Sheetz distribution fleet. There is also be space for various corporate support departments.    

Commerce, Calif. -- Smart & Final Stores, Inc. reported that profit for the third quarter edged up 1.9% to $10.2 million. Sales surged 10.8% to $1.13 billion, and same-store sales leapt 6.6%.   “We continue to grow sales in both of our store banners--Smart & Final and Cash & Carry--and this has translated into strong financial results.," said Dave Hirz, president and CEO.  

London -- Challenged to grow in the U.S., teen apparel chain American Eagle Outfitters is making good on its pledge to leverage the overseas market to kickstart expansion.