Marketing

Philadelphia -- Philadelphia’s Center City District, a private-sector sponsored business improvement district, announced on Friday that it has retained Madison Marquette Retail Services to lease the retail space for Dilworth Plaza.

As part of a major transformation of Dilworth Plaza, premium retail space for the operation of a café concept is available, encompassing 600 sq. ft. with indoor and outdoor seating that can accommodate 60.

PANAMA CITY — U.S.-based Vitamin Shoppe has opened its first international franchised Vitamin Shoppe store in Panama City, via franchisee, Reprico. The retailer operates more than 600 retail locations across the United States.

"Our grandparents were pioneers in Pharmacy in Panama," said Marta Ferrer, director retail Stores for Reprico. "We are excited to open a store that can help people feel better and live healthier with the best quality products."

Columbus, Ohio -- Glimcher Realty Trust announced Ward Kampf has been appointed from within to the role of SVP, strategic investments, charged with finding high-quality acquisition opportunities consistent with the company’s investment criteria. In the last 18 months, Glimcher has closed on five acquisitions.

Previously SVP, retail strategies, Kampf oversaw retail and leasing strategies for key developments and acquisitions. He joined the company in 2009.

SOUTHPORT, Conn. — Sturm, Ruger & Company, a firearms manufacturer, announced that the company has been named Vendor of the Year by Cabela’s.

New York -- Howard Schultz, founder and CEO of Starbucks Coffee Company, has never been one to shy away from taking a stand. Last week, at the chain’s annual meeting of shareholders in Seattle, one shareholder questioned Schultz over the company’s support of same-sex marriage, including the same-sex marriage referendum in the state of Washington.

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Family Dollar Stores has named Scott Zucker to the newly created position of SVP merchandise operations. Zucker will be responsible for driving the strategy and execution of merchandise initiatives, category management, merchandise planning and replenishment. In his new role, he will report to Michael Bloom, president and COO.

Waban, Mass. -- Research results released Monday by Temkin revealed that, based on a study of 10,000 U.S consumers, American Express and USAA earned the top spots in the credit card sector.

According to the 2013 Temkin Experience Ratings, HSBC was the lowest rated credit card issuer for the third consecutive year.

"USAA and American Express set the pace for customer experience in credit cards while HSBC is a real black sheep in the industry," said Bruce Temkin, managing partner, Temkin Group.

WASHINGTON — The days of online retailers getting an unfair advantage by not having to comply with state tax laws are numbered as the U.S. Senate has just passed the marketplace fairness amendment as part of the fiscal 2014 budget resolution.

In response, the National Retail Federation released the following statement from President and CEO Matthew Shay:

“We sincerely want to thank Senators Enzi and Durbin for continuing the fight for fairness on behalf of America’s small businesses owners.