Finance & Capital Management

Construction spending in the retail sector saw a dip in June, according to a report by the Associated General Contractors of America, but the first half of the year recorded an overall gain.   Commercial (which includes retail, warehouse and farm) construction declined 1.6% in June, per the report, but climbed 8.6% year-to-date. Association officials said spending appears to have leveled off after a strong early start to the year prompted by mild winter weather conditions in many parts of the country.  

Hhgregg has completed its search for a permanent CEO by giving interim chief Robert Riesbeck the long-term nod.   Riesbeck has held the interim title since February, when then-CEO Dennis May tendered his resignation. Now, with the top position becoming permanent, Riesbeck will give up his CFO title and the company will launch a new search for a replacement.  

One of the earliest adopters of the build-your-own pizza concept has notched North Louisiana in its expansion belt.   PizzaRev, the fast-casual pizza banner backed by Buffalo Wild Wings, announced that a franchise agreement has been signed to develop the chain throughout the northern part of Louisiana. Franchisees are lrestaurateurs Cassidy King and Mark Florsheim.  

In its search to find the right financial overseer, Destination Maternity Corp. didn’t have to look any farther than the auto parts industry.   On Monday, the maternity apparel retailer named David Stern, former CFO of Pep Boys – Manny, Moe and Jack, as executive VP and CFO, charged with leading the finance and accounting, real estate, loss prevention and procurement areas of the company.   Stern will report to CEO Anthony Romano.  

Online retail giant Amazon is not looking for a repeat of holiday 2015, when increased fulfillment costs due to a surge in orders took a bite out of its holiday quarter earnings.   The company is adding 18 warehouse facilities this quarter in preparation for the holiday surge, according to a report by Recode. Last year, it added six.  

Deal volume in the retail and consumer sector is up, but deal value is down.   Deal volume in the second quarter in the sector reached its highest level in the past 12 months, with 282 announced deals, up 5% over the first quarter, according PwC’s Q2 2016 retail and consumer M&A report.  

Rent-to-own giant Aaron’s saw its revenues rise but profit drop in the second quarter, and the retailer said it would review its store base going forward.