Labor & Employment

On the heels of Walmart's decision to acquire 13 Target locations in Canada comes an announcement from Lowe's, which has also decided to acquire 13 Target Canada leases as well as distribution center in Ontario.

The deal is worth about $125 million.

Washington, D.C. – The National Retail Federation (NRF) is publicly criticizing the Senate for blocking consideration of the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act, which would renew Trade Promotion Authority. Trade Promotion Authority is legislation from Congress outlining objectives and oversight for trade negotiations between the U.S. and other countries.

New York -- The founder and ousted CEO of American Apparel, Dov Charney, is suing the company and its chairwoman Coleen Brown for a minimum of $20 million in damages, accusing them of defamation and mental and emotional distress.

Many of the allegations revolve around a letter Brown wrote to American Apparel employees in which she claimed that Charney had agreed in writing to never return in any capacity to the company. According to the lawsuit, Charney never signed any agreement.

Secaucus, N.J. – The Children’s Place Inc. and a group of dissatisfied activist Children’s Place investors, called Shareholders for Change at the Children’s Place, have exchanged accusations in a pair of open letters to shareholders. The retailer struck first with a letter supporting the election of its three independent board nominees, including chairman Norman Matthews, at the upcoming May 22 annual meeting.

Cult favorite grocery chain Wegman's is coming to New York City, with plasn to build a massive store in Brooklyn.

Plano, Texas -- J.C. Penney Co. topped analysts estimates for the first quarter, reporting a smaller-than-expected loss. Declaring its intent to become the “preferred shopping choice for middle America” and gain back market share, the company also raised its outlook for the year.

Penney posted a loss of $167 million in the quarter ended May 2, compared with a net loss of $352 million in the year-ago period.

New York - Ryan Guheen has joined Brixmor Property Group as senior VP, redevelopment & strategic leasing. Guheen is based in New York and will play a major role in the company’s Raising the Bar initiative.

Raising the Bar involves upgrading the merchandise mix at its shopping centers with best-in-class anchors to drive higher sales, traffic and small shop leasing, while elevating center appeal to improve rent levels and net operating income growth.

Peoria, Ill. - Scott D. Fitzgerald has been named VP of leasing and development at Cullinan Properties Ltd. Fitzgerald, who is based in Cullinan’s Chicago office, is responsible for pre-development activities for Waller Town Center in Waller, Texas and Avenue Shoppes at P-83 located in Peoria, Arizona, as well as other new development opportunities sought by Cullinan.