Corporate Governance

New York -- In a Tuesday night address at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York City, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. president and CEO Mike Duke didn’t shy away from discussing the fiscal cliff, saying that the current debate is having a negative impact on consumer spending.

Purchase, N.Y. -- A SpendingPulse report released Wednesday by MasterCard Advisors in partnership with Wells Fargo found that spending at small retailers in November picked up a percentage point since October, showing a 5.2% year over year improvement.

This was enough to put its growth rate from October to November at 0.7%, more than the growth rate of total U.S. retail sales.

Chicago -- Claire's Stores announced Wednesday the recent opening of company-owned-and-operated Claire's stores in Italy and Luxembourg, bringing the retailer’s European presence to 15 countries.

According to Claire’s European president Beatrice LaFon, the first Italian store was opened in the Milan Fiordaliso shopping centre, and the first Luxembourg store was opened in Esch Sur Alzette on Rue de l'Alzette.

During December, the company said it also plans to enter Indonesia on a franchise basis.

New York -- The Jones Group Inc. announced Wednesday it has promoted Aida Tejero-DeColli to the newly created position of chief people officer, effective immediately.

Tejero-DeColli will continue to lead all efforts supporting human resources activities at Jones, including talent acquisition and management, training and development, and associate compensation, benefit and recognition programs.

Tejero-DeColli began her career with Jones Group in 1994 as director of human resources and most recently served as EVP human resources.  

Santa Clara, Calif. -- Westfield announced that David Yurman and Miu Miu will open first-to-market stores at its Westfield Valley Fair property in Santa Clara, Calif. A new Prada boutique will open as well, joining other luxury retailers such as Burberry, Tag Heuer, Wolford, Mont Blanc, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany and Cartier.  

New York -- Winick Realty Group said it has been retained by Brookfield Office Properties to exclusively market the retail concourse at One New York Plaza, in New York City.

Nanuet, N.Y. -- Brixmor Property Group said that Dress Barn will open a 7,572-sq.-ft. store at Rockland Plaza, located in Nanuet, N.Y.

Brixmor, based in New York City, is the owner of Rockland Plaza.

Huntsville, Ala. -- Nashville-based Baker Storey McDonald, an X Team International partner, said it has acquired its first property in Huntsville, Ala. The firm purchased Whitesburg Center for $6.7 million.

The 51,943-sq.-ft. shopping center is tenanted by Dollar Tree, Mattress Firm, Cheeburger Cheeburger and Baskin Robbins, among others.

Baker Storey McDonald will manage and lease the center.

New York -- Brixmor Property Group said that Sleepy’s will open a 10,000-sq.-ft. store at Carolina Pavilion in Charlotte, N.C., and a 6,150-sq.-ft. store at Franklin Square in Gastonia, N.C.

Brixmor, based in New York City, owns both of the shopping centers.

Albany, Ore. -- Vintage Real Estate announced that the company has acquired Heritage Mall, located in Albany, Ore.

The 406,500-sq.-ft. mall features more than 50 major retailers, boutiques and restaurants including Target, Sears, Ross Dress for Less and Old Navy, Maurice’s, rue 21, Zumiez, Famous Footwear, Game Stop and Bath & Body Works. It was remodeled in 2006 and is 50% occupied.