Strategy

New York City -- Centro Properties Group US announced that three Big Lots have joined its portfolio, encompassing 92,006 sq. ft. and bringing Big Lots’ total store count with Centro to 49 locations.

A 30,000-sq.-ft. Big Lots opened at Arapahoe Crossings, in Aurora, Colo.; a 28,000-sq.-ft. store opened at Lagniappe Village, in New Iberia, La.; and a 34,006-sq.-ft. lease has been executed with Big Lots at Panama City Square, located in Panama City, Fla.
 

New York City -- Robert K. Futterman & Associates said Tuesday it has secured the first U.S. location for upscale designer footwear brand Nicholas Kirkwood at 807 Washington St. in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District.

Located between Gansevoort and Horatio Streets, the 1,572-sq.-ft. ground-floor boutique is scheduled to open in the winter of 2012.

In Fall 2001, Steiner + Associates and Georgetown Co. completed the second phase of mixed-use trendsetter in Easton Town Center, Columbus, Ohio -- and a decade later, the 1.7-million-sq.-ft. development stands as testament that the right project in the right location with the right uses can survive even the most trying economic conditions.

Chain Store Age talked with Yaromir Steiner, CEO of Columbus-based Steiner + Associates, about Easton’s staying power during a recession, and its continued evolution as it strives to remain relevant.

Memphis -- The Kroger Co. said Friday that its Kroger Delta Division, based in Memphis, has acquired eight Memphis-area Schnucks grocery stores that the company will convert and re-open under the Kroger banner over the next few weeks.

Currently, Kroger operates 37 stores in the Memphis metropolitan area, and the acquisition ups the area store count to 43, with two of the acquired Schnucks locations replacing two smaller existing Kroger locations.

New York City -- A Friday report by Reuters said that a former Borders Group employee is attempting to represent a class of about 300 Ann Arbor, Mich., workers in suing the bankrupt retailer for not giving proper notice of impending mass layoffs.

Los Angeles -- A report released Tuesday by commercial real estate firm C.B. Richard Ellis said that 59% of U.S. retailers plan to open more stores due to the attractive rental rates available in the current market environment.

The retail world will lose one of its most colorful and respected CEOs when Costco Wholesale Club co-founder and chief executive Jim Sinegal steps down on January 1, 2012. Among retailers, Sinegal stands out for offering proof positive that a business could be good to its employees and customers and still make a hefty profit.

Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz has never shied away from supporting causes he believes in. But he has really gone on the offensive with his latest passions: political gridlock and the jobs crisis.

ISSAQUAH, Wash. — First it was Steve Jobs, and now Costco’s legendary co-founder Jim Sinegal is stepping down as CEO.

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Lowe's pledged $1 million to disaster relief and rebuilding efforts in communities affected by Hurricane Irene.

“This has been a record-setting year for disasters across the country, and Lowe’s will continue to provide funding, supplies and volunteers whenever possible," said Robert A. Niblock, Lowe’s chairman, president and CEO.