Mergers & Acquisitions

The “paint ‘n’ sip” phenomenon, whereby friends, neighbors, and colleagues come together to paint, drink and relax, is showing up signs of slowing down and that’s good news for a Louisiana-based company.

Painting with a Twist, which bills itself as the original and largest paint-and-sip franchise, has opened more than one new location each week this year, and is on track to reach its goal of 100 new locations in 2015.

There will be a change at the top of lifestyle apparel retailer Tommy Bahama.

Fred’s Super Dollar has named John Foley as the company's executive VP store operations, the company announced Wednesday morning. Mike Holligan, who formerly served in this capacity, will move to the open position of regional VP store operations.

Jet is abandoning its fee model less than three months after it launched in order to broaden its appeal to shoppers.

The online marketplace startup announced Wednesday that it will get rid of its $50 annual membership fee.

A new event for retailers and consumer package goods executives is taking shape called Shoptalk and the successful entrepreneurs behind its creation have big plans and funding to make it happen.

Ross Dress for Less will open a new store in Redlands, California on Oct. 10. The 24,000-sq.-ft. relocation is in Mountain Grove at Citrus Plaza, and is being moved from its previous location at Tri-City Center.

With this location, Ross will operate 274 stores in its largest state. The opening is part of the retailer’s 2015 expansion program, totaling approximately 70 new locations during the year.

Global management consultancy Kurt Salmon is acquiring digital retail technology agency Mobispoke LLC, the engine behind such technologies as smart fitting rooms, integrated mobile apps and other leading-edge, interactive shopping experience technologies.

Following the acquisition, Mobispoke will rebrand as Kurt Salmon Digital and will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Kurt Salmon.

Charlotte, N.C. -- EDENS announced that J.Crew Mercantile will be joining Park Road Shopping Center located in Charlotte, North Carolina. This location will be the first in the Charlotte market and is expected to open in early 2016.

J.Crew launched J.Crew Mercantile earlier this year, featuring a collection of value-driven merchandise with the brand's classic signature style.