International Business

Phoenix -- Cole Real Estate Investments and RED Development have announced the acquisition of Macerich’s interests in two retail power centers located in Chandler, Ariz.

In a related transaction, Cole acquired 100% ownership of a third power center located in Gilbert, Ariz. The transaction value for all three properties is $100.55 million.

Encino, Calif. -- Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services announced a number of appointments within its National Retail Group offices around the country.

Joel M. Dumes has been named director of the firm’s National Retail Group in Cincinnati; Dumes is currently VP investments for the company.

Scott J. Wiles, a seven-year veteran of the company, was named director of the firm’s National Retail Group in Cleveland, and Erin E. Patton is now director of the National Retail Group in Columbus, Ohio.

Atlanta -- Jones Lang LaSalle announced it has hired Paul Berkman, Craig Slosberg, Davie Berke and Justin Haber in New York. The retail brokers will head the expansion of the firm’s retail tenant representation services in Manhattan.

HONG KONG — TV manufacturer TCL Multimedia Technology Holdings has entered into an agreement with Ikea for the development of its innovative concept of complete TV solutions that includes TV, sound system and furniture.

According to a TCL press release, the partnership will enable Ikea to offer customers designated electronic products integrated into furniture that are operated by only one remote controller, boasting the seamless blend of advanced technology and creative interior design.

Target and other retailers have fought unsuccessfully for years to level the e-commerce playing field in the United States by requiring Amazon.com and other online-only merchants to collect sales tax. Doing so would eliminate the Internet-pure-play retailers’ most significant competitive advantage, and for a glimpse of just how significant look no further than Canada.

New York -- Tesco Plc will invest 1 billion pounds ($1.6 billion) to help turnaround its domestic operations. The chain will slow its international expansion as its concentrates on its home base.

Tesco, the United Kingdom’s largest retailer, will give a makeover to about 430 of its U.K. supermarkets, add more workers and expand its online offerings.

NEW YORK — Macy's will soon have a Brazilian feel when the company debuts "O Mercado, the Market at Macy's" on April 22 in about 300 stores and online at Macys.com. The company describes O Mercado as a curated shop of Brazilian products, and it is the next installation of the retailer's "Brasil: A Magical Journey" campaign, which will officially kick off on May 16.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said Tuesday it will hire 100 additional developers in India as part of its @WalmartLabs unit, which is focused on growing the retailer’s social media and mobile presence globally.

In November, WalmartLabs, under the retailer’s global e-commerce group, will build an operation in India to use social media and digital technology to attract shoppers.
 

Arlington, Va. -- The Retail Industry Leaders Association on Tuesday expressed support of this week's announcement by President Barack Obama and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk that the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement will enter into force on May 15.

Irvine, Calif. -- Toshiba Tec Corp., an arm of Toshiba Corp., announced plans on Tuesday to acquire IBM Corp.’s point-of-sale terminal business for $850 million.

The transaction is expected to be completed mid-summer.

Toshiba Tec, which is 50% owned by Toshiba Corp., will become the world’s largest supplier of POS terminals once the acquisition is finalized.