Corporate Governance

Ace Hardware took home "record" first quarter revenues of $1.2 billion in the first quarter, an increase of 4.3% over last year. The message was a little more muddled for earnings. Though its first quarter net income of $26.1 million was down 12.7% year-over-year, that figure was still 12.0% ahead of plan. It was also a planned reduction owing to the timing of promotions.

The Manhattan Village Shopping Center in Los Angeles County serves some of the nation’s wealthiest zip codes which explains why JLL is leading a $150 million investment in a redesign and expansion of the mixed use center. The planned multi-phased renovation will bring new life to the 573,000-sq.-ft. shopping and dining destination that occupies 44 acres and serves the South Bay cities and Silicon Beach areas of Los Angeles County, according to JLL.

Starbucks Corp. has turned to the bond market to fund its sustainable-coffee efforts. The chain issued a $500 million U.S. corporate sustainability bond to fund projtects that will support ethical coffee sourcing. The 10-year, 2.45 percent senior notes, due 2026, will fund programs that ensure coffee is grown and distributed in a way that can be maintained over the long run, such as providing fair pay for workers and protection for wildlife.

Speaking at his company’s annual shareholders meeting, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos said the online giant will open more stores—but he didn’t specify when, according to the Seattle Times.

A career that began in 1974 as a Giant Eagle supermarket clerk will end on June 30, 2016 as one of the company’s most instrumental figures in recent decades, president and COO John Lucot, will retire after 42 years of service to the Pittsburgh-area grocer.

Francesca’s Holdings is looking for a new CEO after the abrupt departure of former Chairman, President and CEO Michael Barnes and weaker than expected first quarter guidance caused the company’s shares to plummet.

Target on Tuesday announced the hire of Mark Tritton as EVP and chief merchandising officer. In this role, Tritton will oversee enterprise buying, product design and development, sourcing, visual merchandising strategy and merchandising transformation and operations for the retailer.

The lifestyle retailer named after the famous film festival started by Robert Redford continues to grow its retail footprint and has added a store in the Northwest. The Bridgeport Village shopping center in the Portland, OR., suburb of Tigard is the location of the newest Sundance store which offers women’s and men’s apparel, footwear, jewelrey, accessories, art, and home décor.

McKesson and Walmart on Monday announced a new generics sourcing agreement Monday alongside and extended distribution contract between the two companies. In a move aimed at improving value and scale for both parties, the agreement will see Walmart and McKesson jointly sourcing generics for their U.S. operations. 

The Disney Springs collection of retail and entertainment offerings in Lake Buena Vista, FL is home to the newest UGG brand flagship store.