Strategy

Kroger has unveiled a bold initiative to digitize every aspect of its physical store in an effort to measure a breadth of operational metrics to enhance the shopper experience.

New York -- E-commerce company Birchbox, which provides subscribers with monthly boxes of personalized beauty products for a monthly fee, has launched managed fulfillment operations and small parcel management with third party logistics provider OHL. The new fulfillment center is located in Mount Juliet, Tenn., providing a more centralized location and faster transit times for Birchbox customers across the U.S.

Woodland, Calif. – The Gateway Shopping Center in Woodland, Calif. has reportedly received permission to expand the types of businesses allowed in its use permit. According to the Woodland Daily Democrat, the Woodland Planning Commission is granting approval for food services, banks, professional service offices, nail salons and dry cleaners to be located at the center.

RadioShack and Payless Shoes are also reportedly awaiting approval to open stores at the center.

Maybelline New York has named Yadim Carranza, known simply as Yadim, as the brand's global makeup artist. Yadim is lauded for his innovative editorial work and bold runway looks.  

In his new role, Yadim will provide artistic vision for Maybelline New York makeup and become the voice of the brand to consumers, press and industry influencers.

New York -- E-commerce company Birchbox, provide subscribers with monthly boxes of personalized beauty products for a monthly fee, announced Monday that it has raised $60 million of Series B funding from a group led by Greenwich, Conn.-based Viking Global Investors, Crain’s New York reported.

Birchbox, which is set to open its first physical store this spring, now has more than 800,000 subscribers receiving 6,500 different products from 800 brand partners.

The Hillshire Brands Company has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Catterton portfolio company Van’s Natural Foods. Van’s is a leading better-for-you food brand of frozen breakfast and snack foods.

Hillshire Brands will pay $165 million for Van’s, which is expected to have net revenues of approximately $60 million in calendar year 2014. The transaction is expected to close in May 2014 pending regulatory clearance.

Lynchburg, Va. — Five Below has signed a 7,732-sq.-ft. lease at Wards Crossing West shopping center in Lynchburg, Va. It will be Five Below’s first store in the Lynchburg trade area.

Divaris Real Estate’s Richmond office represented Five Below in the transaction. DRE is the exclusive representative for Five Below in southwest Virginia.

Greenwich, Conn. — Newmark Grubb Knight Frank Retail Services has appointed Jessica Curtis as senior managing director in the Greenwich, Conn., office. Curtis will represent national clients in their expansion plans and work with local entrepreneurial retailers and restaurants ready to grow beyond their current locations.