Finance & Capital Management

New York -- MasterCard plans to expand its world headquarters in Purchase, N.Y.,  suburbs and open a technology lab in Manhattan, the Associated Press reported.

The report said that MasterCard is investing several million dollars to open a new mobile e-commerce technology lab in New York City, which will lead to 122 new research and development and software jobs in Manhattan.

New York -- Ulta Beauty’s net income increased 19.1% to $45.4 million in the third quarter, amid strong sales of prestige cosmetics and skin care and strong online sales.

Sales for the quarter ended Oct. 27 rose 22.4% to $618.8 million. Same-store sales rose 6.8%, including the impact of e-commerce sales.

During the quarter, e-commerce sales grew 74.4%, representing 170 basis points of the total company same-store sales increase.

Dallas -- Alliance Data Systems, a leading provider of loyalty and marketing solutions derived from transaction-rich data, announced its retail services business, which manages more than 120 private label and co-brand credit programs, has signed a multi-year renewal agreement to continue providing private label credit card services for home decor and lifestyle retailer Z Gallerie.

The specialty retailer operates 58 stores located in 19 states, featuring an eclectic mix of upscale home furnishings and accessories.

Tampa, Fla. — RMC Property Group has named Sharon Rogers-Barron director of property management for the company. She will oversee the day-to-day property management and financial performance of RMC proprietary properties and third party managed assets.

Retailers usually measure 
the success of project spending by ROI, or "return on investment." ROI measures how many dollars you get back for every dollar you invest. This is a prudent and necessary way of justifying investment in things like IT systems, facilities and processes.

But not everything of value can be measured by simple dollars and cents. How do you measure the return on hope given to hundreds of thousands of disadvantaged children, both in the United States and around the world?

Atlanta – The Home Depot reportedly plans to invest $300 million on technology and supply chain upgrades during its fiscal year 2014, which begins in February 2014. According to the Wall Street Journal, the results will include three new fulfillment centers in California, Atlanta and Ohio by 2016, as well as same-day delivery for some online orders.

Fremont, Calif. – Men’s Wearhouse reported declining net income during the third quarter of fiscal 2013 even as net sales improved. Net income dropped about 22%, from $48.8 million in the third quarter of the prior fiscal year to $38.2 million.

The recession took a major toll on the retail real estate sector but, despite waffling consumer confidence, the sector continues to improve. Retail now accounts for 19% of total U.S. investment volume year-to-date 2013.

Retail experts from Jones Lang LaSalle predict four key forces that will drive an increase in the retail transaction market during 2014:

1. Strengthening Fundamentals  

Newport, Ky. -- Divisions Maintenance Group, a provider of facilities maintenance services for retail properties, recently purchased 19 box plows for its Denver district in preparation for the 2013-14 snow season. This represents the largest influx of box plows purchased by the company in one year for one specific district.

The Coca-Cola Company’s board of directors has named Ed Steinike as a senior VP and Robert J. Jordan Jr. as a VP. Jordan will succeed William D. Hawkins III as general tax counsel, who announced his intention to retire in March 2014 after 15 years of service with the company.