Strategy

Operating internationally is full of pitfalls and political peculiarity, as Walmart has again discovered in South Africa where various government officials are attempting to wring additional concessions from the company related to its acquisition of Massmart.

Brentwood, Tenn. -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said it has leased retail space to four new tenants at Peartree Village, located in in Brentwood, Tenn.

Petco opened an 11,120-sq.-ft. store, NeighborMD Urgent Care has leased 3,736 sq. ft. of medical office space, and Serenity Nail Spa has leased 2,339 sq. ft. First Watch, a breakfast, brunch and lunch restaurant, has opened its first Tennessee location in 3,586 sq. ft., occupying a former Hollywood Video space. All stores are now open, and the center is 100% leased.

SALISBURY, N.C. — New stores, higher retail inflation and positive calendar impact drove sales up for Delhaize America, the U.S. sector of the Delhaize Group, during the second quarter ended June 30.

The division, which operates such banners as Food Lion, Hannaford and Bottom Dollar Food, reported that revenues rose 4.3% to $4.9 billion, while comparable-store sales increased 1.6%. Operating profit, however, dropped 2.7% to $205 million.

There was a lot of negativity in the air this week regarding Walmart. Jefferies & Co. analyst Dan Binder downgraded the company on Tuesday and proceeded to appear on CNBC where he expressed concerns about company specific issues at Walmart regarding turnaround initiatives not gaining traction in the time frame he had hoped for.

Sydney, Neb. -- Cabela’s announced plans to build a store in Rogers, Ark. The 100,000-sq.-ft. store, Cabela’s first in Arkansas, is scheduled to open in the summer of 2012. The retailer also has also announced plans to build stores in Wichita, Kan., and Tulalip, Wash., as well as Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, all expected to open in 2012.

SYDNEY, Neb.  — Cabela's is marking its entry in Arkansas with plans for a 100,000-sq.-ft. store in Rogers. The store is scheduled to open in the summer of 2012. The retailer also has also announced plans to build stores in Wichita, Kan., and Tulalip, Wash., as well as Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, all expected to open in 2012.

New York City -- Sears Holdings Corp has named former FreshDirect executive Monica Woo to be VP and CMO, effective Aug. 15, according to Reuters. The post has been vacant since January 2010.

Woo will be responsible for the overall marketing, brand and advertising programs for Sears, according to the report. She most recently was the chief marketing and strategy officer of online grocer FreshDirect.
 

BOSTON — Gordon Brothers Group, a global advisory, restructuring and investment firm specializing in the retail, consumer products, industrial and real estate sectors, has named Robert Paglia COO. Paglia will focus on the oversight of Gordon Brothers Group's operating, financial planning, human resource, administrative, corporate marketing, and information technology functions in support of the firm's global platform of integrated operating and capital solutions, the company reported.