Finance & Capital Management

Washington, D.C. -- A report on Friday by the Labor Department showed that retail employment declined by 24,000 in March, the biggest slide since February 2012. The largest hiring slump occurred among clothing and accessories stores, which dropped 15,000, followed by a 10,000 decrease among building-material and garden suppliers.
 
Retailers have been slow to hire largely because of the concern over the 2% increase in payroll taxes and how the bump is impacting consumer spending.

Cincinnati -- ECOtality and The Kroger Co. announced Monday an expanded partnership including over 200 level 2 (quick charge) charging stations, and 25 DC Fast Chargers, to be installed across key markets through the EV Project.

The multimillion-dollar expansion will bring the total number of Blink chargers in the Kroger system to almost 300.

Nashville -- Genesco Inc. said Friday it will withdraw its listing on the Chicago Stock Exchange, citing a need to streamline operations and eliminate overlapping administrative requirements and costs.

The company, which owns the Journeys, Lids, and Johnston & Murphy banners among others, will continue to list its common stock on the New York Stock Exchange.  

Phoenix -- Leslie’s PoolMart will mark the grand opening of five retail locations on April 12. The stores are in Gold Canyon, Ariz., Madera, Calif., Torrance, Calif., West Springfield, Mass., and Magnolia, Texas.

In total, Leslie's plans to open 48 new stores this year between March and May. With these new stores and its recent acquisition of 24 Warehouse Pool Supply stores in the Houston area, Leslie's will bring its total store count to more than 800 stores nationwide.

ST. LOUIS — Post Holdings announced that after discussions with the union representing hourly employees at the Modesto, Calif. plant, the company's management has made a decision to close the Modesto plant.  The Modesto plant has approximately 140 employees. The transfer of production capabilities and closure of the plant is expected to be completed by September 2014. 

SAN FRANCISCO — ECOtality and Kroger have announced an expanded partnership that includes the installation of more than 200 level 2 (quick charge) charging stations, and 25 DC Fast Chargers, to be installed across key markets through the EV Project. This multimillion dollar expansion will bring the total number of Blink chargers at the Kroger Family of Stores to almost 300.

NEW YORK — Cache Inc., a specialty chain of women’s apparel stores, announced that Michael Price, managing partner of MFP Partners, L.P., Cache’s largest shareholder, has joined the board of directors. In addition, Charles Hinkaty, formerpresident and CEO of Del Laboratories Inc., has been appointed to the board. In connection with their appointments, Michael Price and Charles Hinkaty have been appointed to the nominating and governance committee and the compensation and plan administration committee of the oard.

Chandler, Ariz. -- Simon Property Group announced Friday that it opened Phoenix Premium Outlets, the upscale outlet shopping center serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale areas.   
 

Henderson, Nev. -- One of Southern Nevada’s largest shopping centers is set to undergo a $7 million renovation, its largest since it opened in 1996. According to mall owner, Cleveland-based Forest City Enterprises, construction is scheduled to begin early April and is slated for completion in the fall.

Boutique Talulah will join H&M in the newly renovated mall. Bath & Body Works and Express stores will relocate to new locations inside the center.

New York -- Jewelry sales are expected to grow more than 11% in the second quarter and 9% overall this year, according to a new IBM Big Data-based forecast.

According to the analysis, improved consumer confidence, lower unemployment and enhanced stock dividends from fourth quarter 2012 have combined to leave people ready to start spending on luxury items again, like jewelry.