Strategy

Financial network CNBC’s top anchor Maria Bartiromo took her show “Closing Bell” on the road this week to broadcast live outside the auditorium at the Orlando convention center where Walmart convened its domestic manufacturing summit.

Saint John, New Brunswick -- Walmart Canada grand-opened a 129,000-sq.-ft. superstore in Saint John, New Brunswick, on Friday, the first of nine “Maritime Supercenters” planned for the country by Jan. 31, 2014, said the retailer.

The newly redeveloped store, which signals the launch of Walmart Canada’s Maritime sourcing program for produce, features a fresh grocery section that will serve as a prototype for all Maritime supercenters.

Durham, N.C. -- Supermarket retailer Bashas has installed energy-efficient LED lighting from Cree in its Tempe, Ariz., location. The newly renovated store features luminaires powered by Cree TrueWhite technology, with an anticipated energy savings of 47% over the store’s previous design.
 

Pleasanton, Calif. -- Ross Stores Inc. reported a profit of $213 million for the second quarter, compared with $182 million last year and beating Wall Street’s expectations.

Revenue rose 9% to $2.5 billion, matching forecasts. Same-store sales edged up 4%, compared to a 7% rise in the same period last year. However, the retailer expressed caution about the months ahead.

New York -- Aeropostale posted a loss of $33.7 million for the fiscal second quarter that ended Aug. 3, compared to a profit of $71 million a year ago. The teen retailer issued a weak outlook, and upped the number of stores that it plans to close.

Sales decreased 6% to $454.0 million from $485.3 million a year ago. Same-store sales, including the e-commerce channel, fell 15%.

The retailer said it now plans to shut down 30 to 40 Aeropostale locations this fiscal year. Previously, it had stated its plans to close 15 to 20 stores.  

Beachwood, Ohio — DDR Corp. has announced that a joint venture formed with an affiliate of Blackstone Real Estate Partners VII L.P. has closed on the acquisition of a portfolio of seven prime shopping centers totaling 2.4 million sq. ft. The assets are located in supply constrained MSA’s including Los Angeles, San Diego, Washington D.C., Portland, Harrisburg, Pa., and Cincinnati.

DALLAS — Neiman Marcus launched an online beauty product specialist program that offers customers the same personalized counter experience they would receive in-store.

Roanoke, Va. — PetSmart has leased 17,168 sq. ft. at he Hunting Hills Shopping Center in Roanoke, Va. Divaris Real Estate and Metro Commercial represented PetSmart in the transaction.

DRE is the exclusive tenant representative for PetSmart in Virginia and Metro Commercial is the national tenant representative for PetSmart.