Corporate Governance

Oakbrook, Illinois -- Retail Properties of America announced that it has acquired two-properties to add to its portfolio, which include Merrifield Town Center II and Shoppes at Hagerstown, both located in the greater Washington, D.C./Baltimore area. The properties were acquired through an off-market transaction, on an unencumbered basis, for a combined purchase price of $72.7 million.

Starbucks Corp. is still hot for tea, but it’s not feeling too warm and cozy about its Teavana "tea bar" format, which debuted in New York City about two years ago. The concept sought to elevate the tea-drinking experience, much the way Starbucks did for coffee, and featured an array of tea-related beverages and food items in a comfortable environment that encouraged people to linger.

Executives from Sprouts and Albertson’s/Safeway are among the newly appointed board members at the Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC).

The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) elected four new board members during its annual January meeting in LaQuinta, Calif. The newly elected directors are:

In the name of creating a more efficient and focused organization, Staples announced several key senior leadership moves while its acquisition of rival Office Depot appears in jeopardy.

Shira Goodman, currently president, North American commercial, has been named president, North American operations with responsibility for Staples’ business-to-business, online and retail operations across the United States and Canada.

It looks like Trader Joe’s in Westfield, New Jersey, has taken its final curtain call — at least for a while.

The supermarket, which is located in the upscale town’s thriving downtown area, fell victim to the blizzard that walloped New Jersey on Saturday, as part of the roof collapsed, which caused the exterior walls to buckle into the middle of the building.

Farmingdale, New York -- Kimco Realty Corp. announced that Stew Leonard’s has opened its newest location at Airport Plaza shopping center in Farmingdale, New York. The new 60,000 sq. ft. store will be located across from the existing Stew Leonard’s Wines of Farmingdale store.

The Farmingdale location is home to Stew Leonard’s fifth store and first grocery store location on Long Island.

Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois -- Mid-America Real Estate Corporation’s Investment Sales team brokered the sale of Broadway Commons in Rochester, Minnesota. Austin, Texas-based Epic Real Estate Partners purchased the 140,578-sq. ft. property.

Broadway Commons is located at the northeast corner of South Broadway and US Highway 52. The center features national tenants including Bed Bath & Beyond, Dress Barn, DSW, Famous Footwear and Michael’s.

In the name of creating a more efficient and focused organization, Staples announced several key senior leadership moves while its acquisition of rival Office Depot appears in jeopardy.

Shira Goodman, currently president, North American commercial, has been named president, North American operations with responsibility for Staples’ business-to-business, online and retail operations across the United States and Canada.