Labor & Employment

Washington, D.C. -- Retail industry sales (which exclude automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) will increase 4.1% in 2014, up from the preliminary 3.7% growth seen in 2013, according to the National Retail Federation. The association’s 2014 economic forecast, released Thursday, calls for online sales to grow between 9% and 12%.

A number of factors contributed to NRF’s 2014 economic forecast, including:

As if the retail industry weren’t challenging enough, those operating stores in California are facing a growing number of lawsuits related to an operational consideration known as suitable seating.

Plano, Texas – J.C. Penney Company has entered into a new partnership to develop the vacant land around its Plano, Texas, home office in the Legacy Business Park. The new partnership will be managed by Team Legacy, a venture of the Karahan Companies, Columbus Realty, and KDC.

Retail industry sales (which exclude automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) will increase 4.1% in 2014, up from the preliminary 3.7% growth seen in 2013, according to the National Retail Federation. The association’s 2014 economic forecast calls for online sales to grow between 9% and 12%.

A number of factors contributed to NRF’s 2014 economic forecast, including:

Seattle -- Nordstrom announced plans to close it's store in Lloyd Center Mall, Portland, Ore., and its store in Vancouver Mall, Vancouver, Wash. Both locations will close in January 2015.

"This was a tough decision to make because we've been doing business in Lloyd Center and Vancouver Mall for a long time and we care about the community, our customers and our employyees here," said Ed Nordstrom, president of stores.

Anheuser-Busch plans to purchase Blue Point Brewing Co., one of the nation's top craft brewers with more than 40 beers and sales concentrated along the East Coast. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Blue Point was founded by Mark Burford and Peter Cotter 15 years ago in Patchogue, N.Y., where the brewery will continue to operate. Anheuser-Busch also plans to invest in the brewery to grow its operational capabilities and enhance the consumer experience in the next few years.

Toronto - The Home Depot Canada is currently hiring 6,300 associates across all 180 locations to support its spring season. The company is hiring full-time, part-time and seasonal positions, such as sales associates, cashiers, design professionals, department supervisors and night operators.

Job opportunities are available on a market-by-market basis and are based on individual store needs.

Cabela’s has appointed Donna M. Milrod to its board of directors.

“Donna is a proven leader and brings a wealth of regulatory, finance, and capital markets experience,” said CEO Tommy Millner. “The board and Cabela’s will greatly benefit from Donna’s insights and knowledge.”