Strategy

Melville, N.Y. — Mike Matlat has joined A&G Realty Partners as senior managing director in the Melville, N.Y., office. Matlat comes to A&G from DJM Realty, bringing 20 years of real estate expertise in managing special non-retail projects.

In his new role, Matlat will expand A&G’s real estate advisory services into the hospitality, industrial and residential sectors. He has achieved more than $500 million in sales of warehouse, industrial, hospitality and residential space.

MIAMI — Ryder System, a leading commercial transportation and supply chain management solutions provider, has appointed Karen Jones as SVP and chief marketing officer. She will report to chairman and CEO Robert Sanchez.

Jones will be responsible for leading both the Fleet Management Solutions and Supply Chain Solutions marketing departments and integrating the management of all marketing and brand related activities across Ryder.

Willow Grove, Pa. — Blo/Out Blow Dry Bar has opened its third area location at Willow Grove Park in Willow Grove, Pa., near Philadelphia. The no-appointment 1,300-sq.-ft. salon offers eight styling techniques plus Blo/Out Express, a 20-minute dry styling treatment.

Alpharetta, Ga. -- McAlister's Deli announced plans to develop 17 restaurants in Indiana, South Carolina, and Georgia as part of new multi-unit development agreements with two existing franchise groups.

"We are pleased that our existing franchisees are continuing to expand with McAlister's Deli," said McAlister's Deli president and CEO Frank Paci. "Their commitment to develop demonstrates their confidence in the brand's strength and its ability to provide franchisees with an attractive investment."

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Sears Holdings Corp. on Monday said it plans to obtain a senior secured term loan facility of up to $1 billion to help lower borrowings under its revolving credit facility.

The company said that the term loan would be issued under its existing credit agreement, which provides for a $3.28 billion revolving credit facility.

The term loan is expected to mature in June 2018.

Bolinbrook, Ill. – Ulta Beauty will open 12 new stores in DDR shopping centers by year-end 2013.

The stores will open in DDR shopping centers in the towns of Salisbury, Md., Charlotte, N.C., Richmond, Va., Cleveland/Akron, Ohio, Toledo, Ohio, Hartford, Conn., Salt Lake City, Denver, St. Louis, and Lansing, Mich. Year-to-date, Ulta and DDR have opened six new stores, and are scheduled to open an additional six stores prior to year-end, bringing Ulta's total store count to 43 locations across DDR's portfolio.

Sales at Target stores in Canada have been a little uneven since the company entered the market earlier this year, but at least the company can point to an unrivaled environmental accomplishment.

New York -- Saks Inc. announced that its chairman and CEO, Stephen I. Sadove, along with the company’s president and chief merchant, Ronald L. Frasch, plan to leave the company following the closing of its acquisition by Canadian retailer Hudson's Bay Co.