Corporate Governance

Macy’s sells San Diego store to Westfield Corp.—and then leases it back
Mall owner Westfield Corp. has acquired two buildings owned by Macy’s at Westfield Mission Valley mall in San Diego for approximately $16.5 million.

Included in the sale were a full-line Macy’s department store and a nearby — and much smaller — building that houses a restaurant.

The purchase comes as the retailer remains under pressure from an activist investor to sell off full or partial stakes in some of its real estate.
Ross Dress for Less expands in Virginia
Ross Dress for Less opened a new store in Woodbridge, Virginia, on March 5.

The 25,000=sq.-ft. store is located in Prince William Square, on the northwest corner of Smoketown Road and Gideon Drive, 20 miles southwest of Washington, D.C.

The opening is part of Ross’ 2016 expansion program, totaling about 70 new locations during the year.

Drone data shows ‘close calls’ surge

Retailers intrigued by the prospect of drone deliveries should be concerned by new data that shows a disturbingly high number of close calls with commercial aircraft.

The Federal Aviation Administration released data showing the number of incidents in which drones flew too close to a commercial aircraft increased to 1,200 last year from 236 incidents in 2014, the first year FAA began tracking the data.
A different kind of drone rolls into Walmart’s backyard

A major experiment is set to begin soon on the campus of the University of Arkansas that could determine how retailers use robots, also known as autonomous terrestrial drones, to make deliveries.

Beginning April 1, London-based Starship Technologies will be turning heads on the rolling hills of the University of Arkansas campus as an important experiment gets underway to gauge human interaction with autonomous land-based vehicles.
Winick Realty Group completes off-market sale in Georgia

Brunswick, Ga. -- Winick Realty Group’s Investment Sales Department announced the sale of the 75,595 sq. ft., grocery-anchored center Brunswick West Shopping Center in Brunswick, Georgia. The center sits on 9.11 acres, off exit 36B of Interstate 95.

Brunswick Shopping Center is currently 82% occupied and anchored by Winn Dixie and Family Dollar.
Dunkin’ Brands exec appointments include digital, supply chain VPs

Dunkin' Brands Group Inc., the parent company of Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, has promoted five new VPs to its management team.

Sherrill Kaplan was promoted to VP, digital marketing & innovation for Dunkin' Donuts U.S. Kaplan joined Dunkin' Brands nearly five years ago and has played a lead role in the development and execution of the retailer’s digital strategy and the DD Perks rewards program.
Kohl’s, Home Depot, Sears honored for energy efficiency efforts

Kohl’s, The Home Depot and Sears Holdings have all been honored with 2016 Energy Star Partner of the Year — Sustained Excellence Awards from the Environmental Protection Agency for leadership in sustainability efforts.

KOHL’S: Kohl’s was recognized for its continued leadership in protecting the environment through superior energy efficiency achievements. It is the fifth consecutive year that the retailer has been recognized with the Energy Star Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award.
Study: Retailers behind in EMV, does it matter?

Many retailers are lagging in their EMV adoption efforts, and many consumers may not care that much.
Walgreens issues corporate 'Red Nose' challenge as exclusive retail partner of 2nd Red Nose Day

Walgreens on Monday announced its returns as the exclusive retail partner of the second annual Red Nose Day, helping raise funds to fight kids' poverty. The campaign's iconic Red Noses - which people wear in support of the official Red Nose Day on Thursday, May 26 - returned to store shelves at Walgreens and Duane Reade locations nationwide this morning, officially kick starting the nine-week charitable campaign.
Amazon Echo grows stronger

Amazon.com has been slowly but surely building the capabilities of its interactive Echo voice-activated consumer device. According to Re/code, integrating Echo with the Alexa artificial intelligence platform to allow the ordering of new commodity items is only a step toward the final goal. Namely, full-scale, Echo-based access to Amazon’s entire inventory. [Re/code]
Walmart goes omnichannel against hunger

Walmart is partnering with five suppliers to launch an omnichannel fundraising initiative that is sure to appeal to many of its shoppers.

The retailer is launching its“Fight Hunger. Spark Change.” campaign to raise money to fight hunger. Walmart, working with five suppliers representing some of the nation’s leading food companies, will offer three ways for shoppers to take action against hunger and help families in need.
Ingles Markets names new CEO

Persistence has paid off at Ingles Market for Jim Lanning who was elevated to the role of CEO after joining the $3.8 billion supermarket chain 41 years earlier.

Asheville, NC.-based Ingles Markets named Lanning, 56, to the role of CEO, filling a position previously held by company Chairman Robert P. Ingle, II. Lanning will retain his position as president while Ingle, 47, will continue to serve as chairman and continue his day-to-day active operational role in the executive leadership of the company, according to a statement.