Events

New York -- The future looks bright for retail stores. That’s the conclusion of a new report by the International Council of Shopping Centers. The report, set to be released in May during ICSC’s RECon Conference, finds that population growth in the United States is now outpacing the addition of retail space by three-and-a-half times.

“As a result, shopping space per capita, which peaked in 2009 at 24.2 square feet, now stands at 23.7. This correction will make way for demand in new retail space once again,” the report said.

Redmond, Wash. -- PlayNetwork, a leading innovator in branded entertainment media experiences, is expanding its global reach with the announcement of its new Hong Kong office.
 
The Hong Kong office joins PlayNetwork locations around the globe, with teams in London, England; Columbus, Ohio; Sherman Oaks, Calif.; New York City; and the company's corporate headquarters in Redmond, Wash.

Pittsburgh – Dick’s Sporting Goods opens a new store in Panama City Beach, Fla., on March 7. The store will be located at Pier Park North and will be the retailer's 25th store in the state of Florida and its 559th nationwide.

Columbus, Ohio – Big Lots Inc. is hosting three career fairs in the San Francisco Bay and San Jose areas the first week of March. The retailer has opportunities for experienced store management, entry-level management, store associates, and stockers.

"We're looking for people committed to delivering terrific service in a fast-paced retail environment," said regional HR manager Bill Armstrong. "This is a great opportunity to meet and interact with a prospective employer and make a real impact."

New York -- PayPal and Samsung on Monday announced a collaboration that will make Samsung Galaxy S5 users the first to be able to log in and shop at any merchant that accepts PayPal on mobile and in-stores with only their fingerprint.

The new secure, biometric feature, available in April, means Galaxy S5 users will no longer need to remember passwords or login details across millions of PayPal merchants. PayPal will be the first global payments company to support Samsung’s mobile fingerprint authentication technology.

By Hedgie Bartol, Business Development Manager Retail, Axis Communications

Indianapolis — Four new retailers have leased space at Brea Mall in Brea, California, according to Simon Property Group, the mall’s owner. Starbucks Coffee Company, Kiehl’s Since 1851, Kelley’s Kookies and Shoe Palace plan to open their doors this spring and summer.

Starbucks will debut this spring as a standalone kiosk with tables and chairs for café-style seating.

Hasbro is getting ready to host the 2014 National School Scrabble Tournament, which will be held from April 26-27 at the company’s new Providence, R.I., facility, One Hasbro Place. Scrabble enthusiasts, in fourth through eighth grades, are invited to compete for the $10,000 top prize.