Strategy

Lyndhurst, N.J. -- Ripco Real Estate Corp. announced David Townes has joined its New Jersey office sales team. Prior to joining Ripco Townes worked at Welco Realty for five years where he represented a combination of landlords and retail tenants. One of his many strengths and areas of expertise includes assisting retailers looking to expand in the New Jersey and Rockland County, New York areas.

Virginia, Beach, Va. -- Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust announced it has appointed John McAuliffe to the company's board of directors, effective Dec. 2. McAuliffe returns to the company's board of directors after having previously served from November 2012 until April 2013. McAuliffe has over 36 years' experience in the financial services industry. In April 2013, he resigned from the company's board of directors to focus his efforts on investment banking with Newbridge Securities Corporation.

The National Retail Federation called on Congress to reject a customs reauthorization bill set for a vote this week unless it includes a provision allowing states to require online merchants to collect sales tax the same as local stores.

Former Target Chief Marketing Officer Michael Francis will reportedly serve as a marketing consultant at Walmart when the retailer’s current CMO steps down.

Former Target CMO Michael Francis will reportedly serve as a marketing consultant at Walmart when the retailer’s current CMO steps down.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Stephen Quinn will retire as executive VP and CMO in January after spending nearly a decade at the Walmart. Francis, who spent 27 years with Target, is expected to join Walmart to initiate a broad marketing revamp and work closely with Quinn’s successor, The Journal said, citing a person it said was familiar with the situation.

While athleisure apparel is still quite trendy these days, the creator of the trend, Lululemon Athletica, is struggling to grow profits as competitors threaten its value proposition.

For the third quarter ended Nov. 1, the company posted a profit of $53.2 million, or 38 cents a share, down from $60.5 million, or 42 cents a share, a year earlier. Revenue rose 14% to $479.8 million. Same store sales rose 6% for the second quarter in a row on a constant-currency basis.

PGA Tour Superstore in 2016 will open its fourth store in the state of Arizona, in Tucson. Additional 2016 openings are to be announced.

The retailer will open a 25,000-sq.-ft. store at the Tucson Fiesta Shopping Center. The store will have multiple state-of-the-art swing simulators, practice hitting bays, a large putting green and an in-house club making and repair facility to provide a unique, interactive experience to golf enthusiasts of all levels.

Don’t be fooled by Costco’s tepid sales growth and first quarter profit decline. The company is accelerating expansion and pursuing some intriguing digital partnerships while members continue to renew at record rates.