Corporate Governance

Levin Management Corp. will be building, leasing, and managing a new neighborhood center on the former site of an auto repair shop in Union, New Jersey.   Rising household incomes in the area make it a prime location for new retail in a dense urban region, according to Levin’s senior VP of Leasing and acquisitions Joseph Lowry, who points to a daytime population 86,000 and an average household income of $110,000.  

U.S. consumer sentiment rose to its highest level since January in early August, reflecting optimism in the overall economy and in personal financial prospects.     The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index rose to 97.6 in the first half of August from 93.4 in July, which was an eight-month low.  Economists estimated the index would hit 94 in August.   

Walmart is ensuring all in-store merchandise is ready for shoppers when they want to make a purchase.  

Gap Inc. beat the Street in its second quarter with both bottom and top line gains, boosted by its Old Navy division and fewer discounts.    The apparel retailer earned $271 million net income, or 68 cents per share, in the quarter that ended July 29. That's up from $125 million, or 31 cents per share, a year ago.   

L Brands is still being dragged down by its decision to eliminate swimwear and apparel from Victoria's Secret.   The company reported a better-than-expected profit of $138.9 million, or earnings per share of 48 cents per share for the quarter, compared with analysts' expectations of 44 cents per share.    Revenue totaled $2.76 billion, better than the $2.75 billion analysts had forecast.   

Howard Schultz, the politically progressive — and famously outspoken — founder of Starbucks Coffee Corp., weighed in on the rally and violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, and its aftermath in an emotional speech to company employees.    Speaking at a standing-room only employee forum, Schultz did not specifically blame or criticize the President, saying he would let his (the President’s) actions speak for themselves. But the legendary retailer left little doubt of how he felt.  

The nation's largest home improvement retailer has found a new use for its store roofs.   The Home Depot is partnering with GE's Current unit and Tesla on a rooftop solar project in 50 stores across five states (California, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and the District of Colombia.) The initiative will reduce electricity grid demand by an estimated 30% to 35% annually at each location. Under a power purchase agreement, Home Depot will lease its roof space and buy the output from the systems.   

Shoppers just can't stay away from off-price stores.   Ross Stores' earned $317 million, or 82 cents a share, in the quarter ended July 29, up 15% from $282 million, or 71 cents a share, in the year-ago period. Analysts had expected earnings of $0.76 per share.   Sales rose 8% to $3.43 billion. Same-store sales increased 4%.