Finance & Capital Management

Cary, N.C. -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said it has leased 1,626 sq. ft. of restaurant space NY Bagel Café & Deli, which is opening its new store at Shoppes of Kildaire, located in Cary, N.C.

NY Bagel is slated to open this summer, and its addition brings the shopping center to 97% leased.

The 147,651-sq.-ft. Shoppes at Kildaire is anchored by Gold’s Gym and Home Comfort Furniture alongside national retailers such as Trader Joe’s, Staples, Massage Envy and Subway.

Target had forecast a mid-single decline in its March same-store sales, so the 5.5% decline it reported last week was no surprise. The late arrival of Easter is messing with retailers’ sales comparisons, so even though March was a down month for Target, it could have been worse as the comparison with the prior year was a lofty 10.3%. Therefore, last month’s 5.5% decline is a victory of sorts, and March results for retailers overall were better than expected.

WASHINGTON -- Import cargo volume at the nation’s major retail container ports is expected to be up 9% in April over the same month last year, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

NEW YORK -- Concern about rising energy prices and higher medical costs has many Americans expecting to spend less in the months ahead, a recent Deloitte study revealed. Despite showing no signs of spending less in recent months, the Deloitte survey found that nearly three-quarters (74%) of Americans believe higher prices could slow their spending in the months ahead.  Deloitte's study also revealed that mobile and social connections are helping shoppers make savvier buying decisions in the wake of the recession.

New York City -- Robert K. Futterman & Associates announced the promotions of Gary Alterman, Sal Ferrigno, Jackie Totolo and Elyse Bandel in the firm’s New York office.

Alterman has been promoted to executive VP from senior VP. Ferrigno has been promoted to VP from senior managing director. Totolo has been promoted to director from associate.  Bandel has been promoted to executive VP, marketing & communications, from senior VP, marketing & communications. 

New York City -- Lexlie Wexner, 73, the CEO and founder of Limited Brands, received a 2010 pay package nearly double the year before, according to an analysis by The Associated Press. The increase came as business improved for the parent of Victoria's Secret and Bath and Body Works.

Wexner's total compensation totaled $20.1 million, up from $10.4 million in 2009, because of a hefty increase in stock and option awards and a higher performance-based bonus.

New York City -- Blockbuster says a bankruptcy judge has approved Dish Network's $228 million offer for the chain, paving the way for a combination of the two companies.

Dish won an auction for Blockbuster's assets earlier this week. Judge Burton R. Lifland of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court of the Southern District of New York approved the bid on Thursday.

According to Dish, the deal is expected to close in the second quarter.

After being left for dead four years ago, Pier 1 Imports has recuperated fully to the point where it recently embarked on a new three-year plan to restore growth to the company.

Key elements of the plan call for the acceleration of e-commerce, improvements to existing stores, new store expansion and investments in infrastructure to support the enterprise and improve efficiency.