Finance & Capital Management

After a 65-year run, The Andersons is leaving the retail business, closing its four big-box stores in Ohio. 

Phillips Edison & Company, a leading national player in grocery-anchored centers, has promoted David Wik to senior VP of acquisitions.   In his past six years with the company, most recently spearheading growth in the Southeast, Wik sourced the acquisition of more than 100 assets representing $1 billion-plus in investments for the company’s several REITs. He previously worked in acquisitions at Midland Atlantic Development.  

CVC Capital Partners has agreed to sell Leslie's Holdings to L Catterton and an affiliate of GIC.       The financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.   Founded in 1963, Leslie's is the world's largest retailer of swimming pool supplies and related products.   

Tiffany & Co has appointed Reed Krakoff to the newly created position of chief artistic officer.   Krakoff, who previous worked with Tiffany on the re-launch of its gifts, home and accessories collections, will join the company on Feb. 1. He will direct design for Tiffany & Co. brand jewelry and luxury accessories, and also lead the brand’s artistic and design vision with respect to stores, e-commerce, marketing and advertising.  

Limited Stores has taken another step in the liquidation process it started in December.   The women’s apparel retailer announced on Tuesday it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The chain also said it agreed to a "stalking horse" bid for its intellectual property and some related assets from an affiliate of private equity firm Sycamore Partners.     

Christopher & Banks Corp. on Tuesday announced the departure of its CEO, effective January 17, 2017, and also lowered its fourth quarter guidance after a dismal holiday season.    The women’s apparel retailer said LuAnn Via, president and CEO, has departed the company. Also out: board chairwoman Lisa Wardell.  

Walmart, the nation’s largest private employer with nearly 1.5 million associates, plans to add 10,000 new retail jobs in its upcoming fiscal year, which begins on February 1, 2017.   The discounter says the new jobs will be created through the opening of 59 new, expanded and relocated Walmart and Sam’s Club facilities as well as e-commerce services.    

Luxottica Group, the leading eyeglass retailer with multiple U.S. store banners, has entered into a deal that would create a global giant in the optical industry.   Luxottica, whose brands include LensCrafters, Sunglass Hut, Oliver Peoples, and Pearle Vision, will merge with lens-maker Essilor International of France in a deal valued at $49 billion. The merger brings together the industry’s largest manufacturer with its leading retailer.    

New York-based Clarion Partners has acquired Brookside Shops, a Trader Joe’s-anchored center in Acton, Massachusetts. The company did not disclose the purchase price.   “Brookside Shops is a well-positioned retail center with excellent fundamentals located in a highly affluent trade area,” said Clarion director Gary Rufrano.  

Holiday sales not only beat expectations among industry observers, it hit a five-year high.   Retail sales grew by 4.8% through the holiday season, as compared to the same period in 2015 — and November and December spending growth is the strongest it’s been in five years, according to a new report from Visa.   “The Visa Retail Spending Monitor” tracks retail sales, with the exception of autos, gas, and restaurants, among retail goods, services and stores on Visa payment products.