Finance & Capital Management

I mentioned briefly in my last column that I’ve been a little puzzled by what seems to be an industry-wide reluctance to design and develop, and in many cases redevelop centers into, true mixed-use venues. It’s not that our industry doesn’t get excited about mixed-use spaces — they clearly do. But, something is getting lost between the glamorous articles and design concepts, and the real-world execution.

MINNEAPOLIS — Best Buy, which at its recent shareholders' meeting said it would offer more technology services, has announced that it is expanding the Best Buy Mobile brand and store-within-a-store concept into 14 Five Star stores throughout Nanjing, China, this summer.

The expansion of Best Buy Mobile into the Chinese market is the first evolution of Global Connect, a partnership that was formed in November 2011 between Best Buy and Carphone Warehouse.

St. Paul, Minn. -- Jones Lang LaSalle said it has been selected by the Ramsey County (Minnesota) Regional Rail Authority as the exclusive property management and retail leasing agent for St. Paul Union Depot.

New Orleans — Despite reporting an uptick in organized retail crime, the National Retail Federation revealed that retail theft rates decreased in 2011, according to preliminary results of the organization's latest National Retail Security survey.

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Lowe’s has donated $250,000 to the First Response Team of America, a nonprofit organization dedicated to responding to natural disasters and working alongside local agencies to help save lives in the wake of destruction.

New York — The Jones Group has named George Sharp EVP design, a newly created position. Sharp will report to Stefani Greenfield, chief creative officer, and will work across all brands.

"George is an exceptional talent who brings tremendous experience and knowledge to The Jones Group," said Stefani Greenfield, chief creative officer of The Jones Group. "He will work closely with all of our brands to ensure that great design leads the process by which our brands enter the market."

PITTSBURGH — Heinz has named Dave Woodward EVP in charge of Heinz North America, effective immediately.

New York -- Ritz Camera & Image has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. As part of its restructuring, the company, which has 265 stores in 34 states, plans to close 128 locations and cut its staff of 2,000 in half.

This is the second time Ritz has sought protection under the bankruptcy laws, having emerged from Chapter 11 two years ago.