Strategy

Ann Arbor, Mich. -- Borders Group said Monday that it is selling its kiosk business Day by Day Calendar Co. for an undisclosed sum.

The sale involves 420 kiosk retail outlets, which will be purchased by Calendar Holdings LLC, based in Texas.

According to the Detroit News, the sale could provide Borders with cash while the company works with creditors to restructure its debt.

Washington, D.C. -- The Conference Board said Tuesday that its Consumer Confidence Index reached its highest level in eight months as Americans grew more optimistic about the job market.

The Index climbed to 60.6 this month, up from 53.3 in December. While that reading surpassed expectations, it still falls short of the 90 level that indicates a healthy consumer mindset.

The January figure was the highest since last May's 62.7, and hasn’t been above 90 since the recession began in December 2007.

By Lara Greden, [email protected]

Aguora Hills, Calif. -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said it has leased restaurant space at Twin Oaks Shopping Center, located in Aguora Hills, Calif., to Subway.

Subway has leased 1,175 sq. ft., bringing the center to 94% leased. The tenant is slated to open in April.

Hackettstown, N.J. -- Purchase, N.Y.-based National Realty & Development Corp. said that Party City has leased 15,000 sq. ft. at Mansfield Commons, located in Hackettstown, N.J.

The 283,000-sq.-ft. shopping center is anchored by a recently expanded Walmart and Kohl’s.

La Vista, Neb. -- Baltimore-based The Cordish Cos. said Monday that it will develop an upscale outlet center and entertainment district in La Vista’s Southport West Development. The burgeoning Omaha suburb is already home to a Cabela’s, La Vista Conference Center and several hotels.

Dallas -- Tuesday Morning Corp. said Monday that net income for the quarter ended Dec. 31 was $17.3 million, compared with $18.5 million in the year-ago period.

Net sales decreased 3.6% to $279.3 million from $289.6 million. Same-store sales decreased 3.2%.

According to Kathleen Mason, president and CEO: "We anticipate that we will return to positive comparable sales for the remainder of the fiscal year.” Tuesday Morning reported four consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth prior to the second quarter.

York, Pa. -- The Bon-Ton Stores said Monday that it has extended president and CEO Bud Bergren's contract through Feb. 5, 2012, and has promoted Barbara Schrantz to COO.

Under the newly announced agreement, Bergren's contract will automatically renew annually, unless the board chooses otherwise. Schrantz will assume the role of COO on Jan. 30. She is currently executive VP sales promotion and marketing.

Salt Lake City -- Sunflower Farmers Market said Tuesday that it will open a new store in Salt Lake City on March 16.

The newest location marks the organic grocery chain’s third in Utah and the 33rd store overall for Sunflower Farmers Market.

Sunflower Farmers Market will open its first California location in April.

Columbus, Ohio -- DSW said Monday it has appointed Christopher Lanning as senior VP and general manager of the retailer’s Leased Business Division.

Lanning will be responsible for managing DSW's existing leased business client base and developing new account relationships. DSW currently operates 353 shoe departments in conjunction with leased business partners, which include Steinmart, Gordmans, Filene's Basement and Frugal Fannie's.