Corporate Governance

Oak Brook, Ill. -- Inland Real Estate Acquisitions announced the acquisition of five properties in September on behalf of Inland related parties totaling nearly 500,000 sq. ft. across five states. The acquisitions collectively total $138.4 million in purchase price.

Walmart is launching a new initiative with InComm and Pursuant Health that allows health plans to promote health risk assessments at kiosks in Walmart stores.

InComm, a leading prepaid product and transaction services company, and Pursuant Health (formerly SoloHealth) announced the partnership at the 2015 Money 2020 Conference in Las Vegas.

Kohl’s is in growth mode when it comes to the retailer’s store base.

Next year, Kohl’s plans to open five to 10 new stores in a smaller 35,000-sq.-ft. prototype, aimed at underserved areas. Kohl’s also plans to open 10 to 15 stores dedicated to its proprietary Fila brand in outlet malls across the country. Additionally, the retailer will open two more Off-Aisle by Kohl’s off-price locations in 2016.

U.S. consumers will generate only a lackluster 3.2% year-over-year increase in holiday sales, according to the latest forecast of November-December spending.

Customer Growth Partners’ 15th Annual Holiday Forecast says retail sales for the holiday period will reach $607 billion, a new record, but the anemic 3.2% pace reflects declining median incomes for all but the top 20% of households.

Companies that are partially or entirely devoted to retailing dominate a new list of top brands among U.S. consumers.

According to a new study from Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Apple is the top brand with U.S. consumers. Following are Amazon and Walmart. Other retailers in the top 10 list include Netflix, Costco and Chick-Fil-A.

But the survey also showed that Walmart and Apple rank first and third among America's least favorite brands, indicating that "brand love" can be volatile and turn quickly negative.

Walmart is launching a new initiative to help the 250,000 members of the military transitioning back to civilian life in the United States each year.

The program, called Greenlight a Vet, aims to bring recognition to the veterans a year transitioning back to school, jobs and neighborhoods. Walmart is encouraging everyone to participate by showing their support using a "visible symbol," saying even though we don't always know who are vets are when they aren't wearing uniforms, we should still show them support.

The CEO of Lululemon says the strategy of the brand is to grow the men’s business and to expand globally, while not giving up on having a devout yet irreverent corporate culture. “Our mission at Lululemon is to elevate the world to greatness,” Lululemon CEO Laurent Potdevin told the New York Times.

It seems as though off-price is one of the few bright spots in traditional retail these days, so it's no wonder that Hudson’s Bay Company is adding another off-price concept to its portfolio.

Walnut Creek, Calif. -- Macerich announced 45 retailers set to join Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek, California. The center, anchored by Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Macy's, is undergoing a major renovation that will add 315,000 sq. ft. of new space, parking, new finishes and refreshed outdoor amenities.

FedEx says a big boost in online shopping will propel its business between Black Friday and Christmas Eve at least 12.4% above 2014 levels.

FedEx expects the holiday period to include three shipment volume spikes: Cyber Monday and the first two Mondays in December.

The company said it was adding 55,000 employees for the holidays to handle the increased demand.