Events

Washington, D.C. - The National Retail Federation has hired Mary Heitman as VP of retail programs. Heitman comes to NRF from the Trust for the National Mall, where she served as director of events and deputy director of development.

Irving, Texas – The Michaels Companies Inc. on Wednesday reported a net loss of $48 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2014, compared to net income of $17 in the year-ago period, as $68 million in costs associated with debt-extinguishment and drove the retailer into the red. Its results, however, beat analysts estimates, and the company raised its full-year outlook. It was Michaels’ first earnings report since it went public again at the end of June.

Sebring, Fla. -- BV Belk Properties has retained JLL Retail to manage and lease Lakeshore Mall, a 490,000-sq.-ft. retail center located in Sebring, Florida. The mall was built in 1992, and is the only enclosed regional mall within 40 miles of Sebring.
 
“I see nothing but a good future for Lakeshore Mall, and I am thrilled at the opportunity to take a steady center and make it extraordinary for locals and passer-byes with the support of JLL,” said B.V. Belk Jr., owner of BV Belk Properties.

Melville, N.Y. - Global Facility Management & Construction has named “J.A.C.K.: Join A Cause for Kids” as the first recipient of its “Global Gives Back” initiative, an annual charitable program designed to give back to the community. Sean and Lauryn Blank presented the donation to the charity’s founder in memory of his son, Jack Perlungher during Global’s recent 10-year anniversary summer event.

Denver -- Luxury vacation club company Inspirato will open five interactive experience centers in high-end shopping centers across the country over the next few months.

New York -- Aeropostale Inc. on Thursday reported a second-quarter loss that was less than the Wall Street expected. It also forecast a bigger-than-expected loss for the current quarter.
 
Aeropostale, which has lost money for seven consecutive quarters, reported a net loss for the second quarter of fiscal 2014 of $63.8 million, compared to a loss of $33.7 million in the year-ago period.

Houston -- Baker Katz, an X Team International partner, announced that it has completed the lease of a 40,000-sq.-ft. Dave & Buster's in Houston.     

Located in the Baybrook Mall expansion project, this will be the third Dave & Buster's location to open in the Houston area.