Corporate Governance

Baltimore — The Mall of Istanbul opened today in Istanbul, Turkey. The 34.5-acre mixed-use development features 2.1 million sq. ft. of retail space, 1.4 million sq. ft. of residential space and 322,600 sq. ft. of office space.

Baltimore-based DDG won the design contract for the mall in 2009 in an international competition.

New York – Aeropostale Inc. reported a net loss of $76.8 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2014, up from the $12.2 million net loss it reported a year earlier. It also projected a second-quarter loss forecast bigger than analysts expected.

The struggling retailer, which has reported a loss for six consecutive quarters, had a generally difficult quarter overall, as net sales fell 12% to $395.9 million from $452.3 million and same-store sales decreased 13%.  Aeropostale has reported declining comparable sales for seven straight quarters.

The offices of Retailing Today will be closed Monday, May 26 in observance of Memorial Day. Have a safe and wonderful weekend.

Minneapolis -- In a move to further boost its marketing organization, Target Corp. has hired Kristi Argyilan as senior VP, media and guest engagement, effective June 2.

Argyilan comes to the Target from IPG Mediabrands where she was most recently the president at Magna Global, North America. She has also held senior positions with advertising and integrated marketing agencies including Arnold, Hill Holiday, and Goodby, Silverstein & Partners.

Digital River, a leading global provider of commerce-as-a-service solutions, has appointed Jeffrey Katz to its board of directors.

A technology and travel industry veteran, Katz recently served as the CEO of Wize Commerce, a global leader in online monetization and traffic acquisition technologies. He was the founding CEO, chairman and president of Orbitz from 2000 to 2004.
 

Target has further strengthened its marketing organization with the hiring of Kristi Argyilan as SVP, media and guest engagement, effective June 2.  

Argyilan will be responsible for leading and integrating the company’s paid, earned, owned and shared media initiatives.

Argyilan comes to the Target from IPG Mediabrands where she was most recently the president, Magna Global, North America. She has also held senior positions with advertising and integrated marketing agencies including Arnold, Hill Holiday, and Goodby, Silverstein & Partners.

Greensboro, N.C. – The Fresh Market Inc. reported decreasing profit in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 even as net sales growth exceeded Wall Street expectations. Net income fell 25% to $16.57 million from $22.12 million in the same period the prior year, while net sales increased 18% to $431 million from $366.63 million and same-store sales climbed 2.5%.

Fresh Market plans to open four new stores in the second quarter and 12 to 13 new stores in the second half of the year, as well as remodel four-to-five stores.

Strong demand in Hibbett Sports’ core footwear and brand-focused apparel business helped drive sales in the first quarter. The sporting goods retailer opened a record number of new stores and fully converted operations to its new wholesale and logistics facility, but it’s not done growing its footprint in fiscal 2015.