Mergers & Acquisitions

Edison, N.J. -- Kevin Mead, the former senior VP, director of Stores for The Children's Place, has joined the senior team at Aerosoles as executive VP, retail reporting directly to CEO Jules Schneider. Mead will lead the strategic direction, ongoing expansion and operations of Aerosoles retail and outlet locations.

Steve Mahurin has left Orchard Supply Hardware, where the veteran home improvement merchant and retail industry executive held the title chief retail officer.

According to the San Jose, Calif.-based retailer, Mahurin’s position was eliminated as the company transitions to a focus on operations and expansion.

New York – Bebe Store Inc. has named Seth Johnson, Blair Lambert and Brett Brewer to replace Caden Wang, Barbara Bass and Cynthia Cohen on the company’s board of directors, effective immediately. Johnson previously served as CEO of Pacific Sunwear of California Inc.

Johnson also served as COO and CFO of Abercrombie and Fitch. Prior to joining Abercrombie and Fitch he held positions at The Limited Inc., Batus Retail Group, Conoco, and Dayton Hudson (now known as Target).

La Quinta, California —The Mansour Group has announced the sale of a 36,000-sq.-ft. Stein Mart building located in La Quinta, California. Sale price was approximately $8 million. 

The property was sold via Mansour Group by an unnamed developer to a private, all-cash investor out of San Diego.

The freestanding building is situated in Washington Park, a 600,000-sq.-ft. power and lifestyle center anchored by Lowe’s, Target, Cost Plus, Office Depot, Trader Joe’s with plans for additional construction.

Sellpoints, a pre-marketing platform that touts itself for help brands generate sales online, has acquired the 360° technology patent for videos and photos. 360° technology is used in e-commerce to give in-depth product tours and educate consumers about product benefits online.

According to Sellpoints, the previous patent owner sued multiple big brands to prevent them from using this technology on their websites. Sellpoints reportedly worked for five months to obtain the patent and open up its use to the e-commerce industry.

Columbus, Ohio - Sbarro is entering into Bolivia with a new store opening at the Ventura Mall in Santa Cruz. Sbarro Bolivia SRL plans to open a total of 10 eateries in Bolivia during the next decade.

The franchise agreement with Sbarro Bolivia SRL further expands Sbarro's footprint in South America, which currently includes eateries in Brazil and Colombia, as well as locations launching soon in Peru.

Columbus, Ohio — Glimcher Realty Trust has appointed Kenneth Marshall to the role of VP, Development. In this position, Marshall will support the company’s development strategy, contributing to the leadership and implementation of redevelopment projects throughout the portfolio.

Prior to joining Glimcher, Marshall served as executive VP of the Commercial Division of Colonial Properties Trust (now MAA). In addition, he has served as VP and Regional Development Director for The Westfield Corp.

Sacramento, California — West Coast shopping center owner/operator Pacific Castle has acquired four Sacramento-area properties for approximately $40 million, signaling an ongoing trend to add to the company’s diversified portfolio.