Events

Washington, D.C. -- Import volume at major U.S. retail container ports is expected to increase 6.1% in April 2014, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates. U.S. ports followed by Global Port Tracker handled 1.26 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEU) in February 2014, the latest month for which after-the-fact numbers are available.

Atlanta -- PGA Tour Superstores announced three new store openings in 2014 and an ambitious growth strategy that will more than double its current retail footprint,  adding one million square feet of new golf retail space over the next five years.

As part of its growth plan, the mega-golf retailer will open new interactive retail experience stores this fall in Orlando, Florida; North Scottsdale, Arizona; and Southlake, Texas.

Mumbai, India – Leading Indian political party Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said in its official election manifesto that it will ban all foreign direct investment into the Indian supermarket sector if it wins a majority stake in the upcoming parliamentary election. BJP is widely expected to take majority control of parliament and the prime minister seat in India’s May 2014 elections.

Friendswood, Texas — The 1.2-million-sq.-ft. Baybrook Mall in Houston is getting another 550,000 sq. ft. The mall owner, General Growth Properties, and the landowner, a CDC Houston-managed entity, have formed a joint venture to carry out he project. Work will begin in early May and completed by the 2015 holiday season.

By Ken Nisch, JGA

The American Red Cross has enhanced its ability to respond to disasters with support from Dell to open a new digital operations center in north Texas.

The Red Cross embraced social media in a big way in 2012 when it became apparent that Twitter, Facebook and other digital communication methods were the first place people turn when disasters strike. The relief organization opened the Red Cross Digital Operations Center roughly two years ago in Washington, D.C. with support from Dell and now the two are working together to open the north Texas location.

Brea, Calif. — Simon Property Group and Brea Mall are celebrating putting the finishing touches on the renovation of the property with a special community event and a series of showcase weekends throughout April and May.

The renovation included redesigned mall entrances and new signage, flooring, landscaping, glass handrails and overhead lighting. The mall now displays updated textures, colors and amenities such as soft seating and charging stations.

The shift toward electronic payments has had the unintended consequence of hindering shoppers’ ability to donate to charitable causes at the point of sale, but not anymore.