Corporate Governance

TJX enters Australian off-price market
The TJX Companies is expanding into another country with its acquisition of Trade Secret’s 35 stores.

TJX announced it has completed its acquisition of Trade Secret, an off-price retailer that operates 35 stores in Australia, from Gazal Corporation Limited for $59 million. The acquisition of Trade Secret provides TJX an opportunistic entry into Australia, where TJX currently operates one of its 13 buying offices.
Howard Hughes Corporation announces new lease to be part of the revitalized Seaport District
New York -- Howard Hughes Corporation announced McNally Jackson Books will open a new location in 2017 at the iconic Seaport District in New York. The independent New York bookstore will set up shop in Schermerhorn Row along the cobblestoned streets of the historic district and bring a new literary experience to the Seaport with a refined and carefully curated selection of books, free interactive event programming, a café with outdoor seating and a family-friendly reading area for children to engage the growing residential community.

Jim Wilson & Associates welcome VP of construction, and development director

Montgomery, Ala. -- Jim Wilson & Associates announced the addition of Doug Jeffords, VP of construction, and Evan Conder, development director.
Johnny Rockets targets three new global markets

Fast-casual dining chain Johnny Rockets is expanding its range to include customers in the countries of Italy, Paraguay and Canada.

As part of its strategy to double its global footprint by 2017, Johnny Rockets has signed agreements for 49 new restaurant locations in those three new markets. Some locations will open as early as 2016.
JDA looks south of the border for new excellence center

Retail enterprise technology provider JDA Software Group Inc. is increasing its 24x7 technical support capabilities for clients in North and Latin America.

JDA is opening a new Center of Excellence (CoE) in Monterrey, Mexico. The new facility is the fourth CoE, and the first in Latin America, operated by JDA to provide expert 24/7 support to more than 4,000 customers.
A retail holiday hiring scorecard

Before retailers compete for holiday sales they are competing for seasonal talent that will have a big impact on their performance. Here’s a look at whose hiring season help and how many positions are being filled.
Manny, Moe and Jack finally find a buyer

Japanese tire manufacturer Bridgestone is accelerating its growth plans in the United States by acquiring the Pep Boys auto parts chain, just as Americans are keeping their cars longer.

The Pep Boys – Manny, Moe & Jack Co. has entered into a definitive merger agreement with Bridgestone under which BSRO will acquire Pep Boys in an all-cash transaction for $15 per share, or approximately $835 million in aggregate equity value.
2015 holiday retail storecast

With (believe it or not) the holiday season almost upon us, it is time once again to take part in the annual ritual of crystal ball gazing and seasonal sales forecasts.
Brixmor appoints new chief investment officer

New York -- Brixmor Property Group named Michael Hyun as its new chief investment officer and as a member of the Company's Management Committee, effective Dec. 14. Hyun will be responsible for the strategic and day-to-day oversight of business development, portfolio management and capital recycling for Brixmor.
First Look: Nike's new Michael Jordan showplace

Anyone who thinks Michael Jordan’s star may have dimmed in the 10-plus years since he retired from professional basketball, should think again.

Nike on Saturday, Oct. 24, in Chicago, debuts its first-ever store dedicated entirely to its Jordan Brand, and fans of the sports legend, along with sneaker enthusiasts, lined up for days in anticipation of the opening. Nike also plans to open Jordan Brand stores in additional locations, including New York, Los Angeles and Toronto.
Staples founder Tom Stemberg dies

One of the retail industry’s true innovators, Staples co-founder Tom Stemberg, passed away on Friday at the age of 66. 

Stemberg, who died at home after a two-year battle with gastric cancer, was considered the father of the office superstore format. With the backing of Bain Capital and its co-founder, Mitt Romney, he co-founded Staples in 1986, and went on to lead the company through a period of rapid growth to dominate the office products industry.
A new look for fresh merchandising at Walmart

The produce department at Walmart is about to take on the appealing look of a country market thanks to a new supply chain and merchandising solution.

Walmart plans to begin using a new style of wood grain reusable plastic containers (RPCs) for wet and dry produce such as apples, potatoes, onions and citrus items.