Mergers & Acquisitions

There’s been a couple of change in the C-suite of hand-made goods marketplace Etsy.   The company said chairman and CEO Chad Dickerson is stepping down, to be succeeded as CEO by board member Josh Silverman, effective May 3. Fred Wilson, who has served as lead independent director of the Etsy board, since October 2014, will succeed Dickerson as chairman.  

The Outlet Shoppes at Oklahoma City was acquired this week by an unnamed buyer, reported CBL & Associates, which co-owned the center with Horizon Group Properties.   "The Outlet Shoppes at Oklahoma City was the first project we developed with Horizon and has been a huge success,” said Stephen Lebovitz, CBL’s president & CEO. “We are pleased to demonstrate the value of our outlet portfolio and provide additional liquidity to reduce leverage and help fund our redevelopment program."  

The company responsible for last year’s hottest holiday toy has bought Marbles: The Brain Store.   Toronto-based Spin Master Corp., creators of hit toy Hatchimal, said its purchase of Marbles builds upon Spin Master's increased presence in the games and puzzles category. Under the terms of the sale, Spin Master will acquire the company's brand name, e-commerce business, portfolio of games and other assets.    

Same property net operating income during the first quarter was up 3.2% at Brixmor Property Group thanks to aggressive redevelopment efforts, said the company’s CEO.    "While the overall retail environment brought an increase in announced retail bankruptcies and store closings, our portfolio continued to benefit from healthy tenant demand, resulting in 1.9 million sq. ft. of new and renewal leases executed in the first quarter at blended comparable rent spreads of 16.4%," said James Taylor in a statement.

A men’s grooming shop that provides hand and foot care, haircuts and shaves in a “man cave nirvana” has ambitious designs for expansion.   

Following in the footsteps of Warby Parker, Bonobos and the like, another online startup is ready to plant some brick-and-mortar roots.   Brooklyn, New York-based sneaker brand Greats plans to open at least 10 locations over the next two years, according to The New York Business Journal.  

Macy’s has put part of its iconic State Street store in Chicago’s Loop district on the selling block.   The top half of the building, floors eight through 14, is on the market, the Chicago Tribune reported. Altogether, the space for sale takes in some 650,000 sq. ft., the report said Macy's plans to continue owning the lower floors, which include retail space.  

The largest U.S. chain dedicated to recreational vehicles and a group of liquidations have come together to thrown a lifeline of sorts to outdoor retailer Gander Mountain.