Strategy

Washington -- The National Retail Federation announced that it is pleased with President Obama's efforts to implement three pending Free Trade Agreements. 

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. -- Columbia, S.C.-based Edens & Avant said it has purchased Union Planters Plaza, a 155,000-sq.-ft., Whole Foods-anchored retail center in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 

Located in one of Broward County’s most active regional corridors, Union Planters Plaza was originally built in 1989 and expanded in 2000 and sits on a total of 14.6 acres. Union Planters Plaza is the 25th retail center owned by Edens & Avant in the Florida market, including 12 centers in South Florida. 

Austin, Texas -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said it closed on the acquisition of Tech Ridge Center, an 187,529-sq.-ft. neighborhood shopping located in Austin, Texas, on Sept. 26.  

Built in 2001, Tech Ridge Center is anchored by an 84,352-sq.-ft. H-E-B alongside national retailers including Office Depot, Petco, Subway and Massage Envy.  The center is 93% occupied.

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — HanesBrands announced that it has promoted Richard Moss to chief financial officer effective immediately.

Moss, 53, who has served as the company’s treasurer since January 2006, was chosen to fill the open CFO position after an extensive review of internal and external candidates, HanesBrands reported. Moss will oversee the company’s global finance, investor relations and corporate development functions.

Dublin, Calif. - Ross Dress for Less will open four new locations in the greater Chicago area on March 8, 2014. These openings bring the total number of Chicago area stores to 35 for the retailer.  

The pricing gap between Target and Walmart narrowed last month to a scant 1.7% as Walmart took prices up slightly during August while Target did the opposite, according to a monthly survey by the retail research team at Credit Suisse.

Menomonee Falls, Wis. — Kohl’s Corp. said Tuesday it will hire 40,000 seasonal workers for the 2011 holiday shopping period, about 5% more than in 2010.

The plan equates to about 35 additional associates per store at its 1,127 stores, each working about 20 hours per week.

In addition, Kohl's said it plans to hire 2,500 seasonal workers at DCs and 500 seasonal and full-time credit operations workers.

The Associated Press reported last week that First Lady Michelle Obama was sighted shopping incognito at a D.C. area Target store wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses. Secret Service agents arrived about a half-hour before Mrs. Obama, who walked in through the main entrance with an assistant and spent 30 to 40 minutes shopping and pushing her own cart, according to AP.