Corporate Governance

New York -- J.C. Penney has teamed up with NBC’s “Today Show” to display five mannequins created in the image of real Americans in the windows of its store in Manhattan. The mannequins, which include a model of woman in a wheelchair and a male double-leg amputee, were made by Fusion Specialties, Broomfield, Colorado.

The National Retail Federation (NRF) is supporting the Marketplace and Internet Tax Freedom Act. The legislation was introduced by Senators Michael Enzi, Richard Durbin, Lamar Alexander, Heidi Heitkamp, Susan Collins and Mark Pryor.

Livonia, Michigan — Schostak Brothers & Company, Inc. announced the acquisition of 23 shopping centers from Coldwater Liquidating Trust. The purchase is part of a bankruptcy liquidation in which Schostak Brothers purchased the majority of the remaining Coldwater Liquidating Trust portfolio, totaling 405,000 sq. ft.

The 23 shopping centers span 19 states, and is the third acquisition of Super Walmart shopping centers in less than a year.

Rutherford, N.J. -- RKF announced that two brokerage professionals have been promoted in its New Jersey office. Glenn Beyer has been promoted from managing director to senior managing director, while Conor O’Hara was promoted from canvasser to associate.

Staples has officially launched the 2014 back-to-school season with its Make More Happen for Less promotion, which offers customers three ways to save on products.

“This year, Staples will Make More Happen for Less with guaranteed savings and exciting products not found anywhere else,” said Demos Parneros, president of North American stores and online, Staples. “Our 110% Price Match Guarantee, Staples Less List and Weekly Hot Deals let customers find everything they need to succeed in school — at great prices.”

Aurora, Ill. — Simon has launched construction of its expansion of Chicago Premium Outlets, adding 50 new stores, including Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, and including a comprehensive renovation of the Chicagoland center.

Phillipsburg, N.J. -- National Realty & Development Corp. announced that Hobby Lobby has opened its 56,000-sq.-ft. store at Pohatcong Plaza in Phillipsburg, New Jersey.

Pohatcong Plaza is a 562,000-sq.-ft. power center located at the intersection of Route 22 and Greenwich Road, 1/2 of a mile northwest of Interstate-78 off of Exit 3.

Indianapolis – Simon has named retail and real estate executive Stephen Yalof as CEO of premium outlets and senior executive VP of Simon. Yalof has served as senior VP of real estate for Ralph Lauren Corp. since 2002.
 
His 15 years of experience within the retail industry also includes his role as senior director of real estate for Gap. Yalof began his career in real estate at New Plan Realty Trust, and became VP of leasing for their factory outlet business.