Finance & Capital Management

Arlington, Va. -- The Retail Industry Leaders Association on Thursday released a first-of-its-kind retail sustainability report discussing retail's environmental, social, and community impacts.

"As one of the leading industries to embrace sustainability, it is becoming a core consideration for the retail industry," said Adam Siegel, RILA VP of sustainability and retail operations. "Retailers are working to incorporate sustainability into their strategy, operations, workforce engagement, and connection to consumers and communities.”

New York City -- The Deloitte Consumer Spending Index slightly dropped in December despite small improvements in three-out-of-four components.

The index — which is comprised of tax burden, initial unemployment claims, real wages and real home prices — fell to 1.86 from a reading of 1.93 the previous month. Because of this drop, the ability for consumers to continue to spend at the rates seen in 2011 may be in question, Deloitte said.

NEW YORK— The transformation of JCPenney into America’ favorite store will begin with dramatically simplified pricing strategy and promotional cadence supplemented by an improved product presentation that will allow the 110-year-old company to regain its personality with a new generation of shoppers, according to CEO Ron Johnson.

MINNEAPOLIS — Supervalu on Tuesday named Michael Moore EVP and chief marketing officer. Moore will lead all of the company’s marketing activities, including overseeing customer and brand strategy, advertising, customer loyalty, and research and analytics.

Moore was named to the top marketing post following this week’s decision by Julie Dexter Berg to leave the company and return to the West Coast.

New York City -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc. on Wednesday opened its second supercenter and fifth location overall in Chicago.

New York City -- The judge in the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy case on Tuesday approved a $750 million exit financing plan for the supermarket operator.

The approval moves A&P closer toward exiting Chapter 11 and operating as a  privately held company.

The financing package consists of a $400 million revolving loan and a $350 million term loan from J.P. Morgan Chase and Credit Suisse.

Washington, D.C. -- The National Retail Federation said it welcomed the emphasis on job creation in President Obama’s State of the Union address, saying that it will help restore the nation's economic state.

Minneapolis -- SuperValu Inc. said Tuesday it has named Michael Moore as executive VP and chief marketing officer.

Moore, 47, joined the company in 2011 in the role of business transformation officer. He succeeds Julie Dexter Berg, who left the company to return to the West Coast.

Moore previously held a variety of executive leadership positions within customer business development at Procter & Gamble.
 

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Kohl’s Department Stores announced that it has entered into a purchase agreement to build a new e-commerce distribution center located at I-35 and Centre Park Blvd. in DeSoto, Texas. Expected to open in summer 2012, upon completion the approximately 951,000 sq.-ft. building will fulfill Kohls.com purchases. Kohl’s will close on the agreement once the building process is complete.

NEW YORK — Hudson's Bay Company, the Canadian retail conglomerate, and one of the oldest department-store operators in the world, announced Tuesday that it has completed its acquisition of its affiliate, Lord & Taylor Holdings, LLC, the U.S. department-store company.

According to a company press release, Hudson's Bay will now operate the two leading retail banners in North America, The Bay and Lord & Taylor. Prior to the transaction, Hudson's Bay Company and Lord & Taylor were side-by-side affiliate entities.