Mergers & Acquisitions

Boise, Idaho – Albertsons Companies Inc., which became the second-largest grocery retailer in the United States after purchasing Safeway in January, is planning to return to public ownership with a major stock offering that has implications for trading partners and competitors.

3D printing solutions provider 3DLT has added the former head of global merchandising for Staples to its board of directors.

Canton, Mass. – Dunkin’ Donuts is making a big expansion effort in the mid-Atlantic area.

The coffee chain has signed multi-unit store development agreements with seven franchise groups to develop 51 new restaurants in Virginia and West Virginia during the next several years.

The seven franchise groups and their development plans include:

Roanoke, Va. – Advance Auto Parts Inc. is shifting into high gear when it comes to finance. The retailer has been selected to join the prestigious Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 stock index at the close of business July 8, replacing Family Dollar Stores Inc.

Oakbrook, Ill. -- InvenTrust Properties Corp. announced a series of appointments to its senior management team. The new appointments, effective immediately, are as follows:

· James Christensen has been named senior VP of asset management.
 
· Chris Dykstra has been named senior VP of property management.
 
· Nicole Horne has been named VP of transactions.
 

Seattle -- Nordstrom remains on the move with its off-price division.

If you’ve been reading this column over the last four years, let me first say, “thank you!” It’s gratifying to think that my musings about retail and retail real estate have kept your attention and interest. In this, my 100th and final (except for an occasional contribution) Retail Rap, I wanted to tackle the big question: What’s next? Where is the retail industry — particularly brick-and-mortar — headed in the months and years ahead?

Photo: Central Valley Marketplace, Ceres, California