Corporate Governance

Indianapolis — Simon Property Group has received recognition for its sustainable efforts.

First, SPG has been named to the 2013 CDP Global 500 Climate Disclosure Leadership Index (CDLI). The annual index highlights FTSE Global 500 companies that demonstrate leadership through disclosure of information regarding climate change and score within the top 10% of the five hundred companies assessed. This is SPG’s fifth CDLI award and its third due to top score on disclosure of green house gas emissions and energy use.

San Francisco — Investment and management firm Jamestown has acquired Ghirardelli Square, a 100,394-sq.-ft. lifestyle and entertainment-oriented retail complex located at San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf for an undisclosed sum. The retail portion of the asset was 55 percent leased at the time of the sale, which includes the Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Company’s U.S. flagship location and numerous boutique shops and restaurants.

New York -- The parent company of Bi-Lo and Winn-Dixie supermarkets, Southeaster Grocers, has filed for an initial public offering.  

The shares are expected to be offered by Southeastern Grocers, and the number of shares to be offered and the price range for the offering have not yet been determined.

New York -- J.C. Penney on Thursday shot back at reports that its sales were weak in the late August and early September back-to-school season and said it was pleased with the progress of its turnaround efforts.

The company said it still expected positive comparable-store sales trends coming out of the third quarter and throughout the fourth, adding that its online sales continue to rise in double-digits over last year.

Ontario, Canada -- Staples Canada announced its sustainability achievements for the second quarter of 2013, including a 9% drop in energy consumption (over the year-ago period). The retailer continues to focus on its long-term commitment to growing the business in a sustainable manner, and reducing its impact on the environment.

El Segundo, Calif. -- The fast-growing fashion subscription online retailer, JustFab, announced it has secured $40 million in Series C funding led by Hong Kong-based Shining Capital Management to further its expansion plans. The company recently opened its first store, at the Glendale Galleria, Glendale, Calif.

New York -- Canada’s Loblaw Cos. announced a series of executive appointments, including the naming of Mark Butler as executive VP integration.

In the newly created role, Butler will take on responsibility for planning the integration of Shoppers Drug Mart, while ensuring it remains an independent division. He has 37 years with Loblaw, and most recently was executive VP conventional division.

Monrovia, Calif. – Trader Joe’s will reportedly open a new store in the Hingham Shipyard complex in Hingham, Mass., on Oct. 4.

According to the Hingham Journal, Trader Joe’s signed a lease with Samuels & Associates in winter 2012 to open a 12,000-sq.-ft. store in the Launch portion of the Shipyard complex.

Plano, Texas – J.C. Penney Company Inc. reportedly seeks to raise $750 million to $1 billion in cash equity. According to Reuters, J.C. Penney, which is valued at $2.6 billion, is considering issuing new stock shares as well as other unspecified alternatives.

New York -- British lifestyle brand Holland & Holland is launching its U.S. e-commerce site today. This interactive e-commerce site will allow Holland & Holland clothing, fashion accessories, gifts and shooting accoutrement to be available for purchase for the first time nationwide.