Events

WASHINGTON — A show devoted to snack food is expected to draw suppliers from 22 countries when it kicks off in May, the show's sponsoring organization said.

The 2013 Sweets & Snacks Expo, which will take place May 21-23 at Chicago's McCormick Place, is expected to be the most successful in the event's 16-year history, with a nearly sold-out show floor, according to the National Confectioners Association.

DALLAS — Neiman Marcus is inviting customers to create Pinterest collections featuring images from its Art of Fashion campaign for the chance to win a $1,000 gift card. 

The contest runs March 6 to March 27. One winner will be chosen by a panel of Neiman Marcus judges.

New York -- Fashion Outlets of Chicago, a new mall due to open in August near O'Hare International Airport, on Tuesday announced its tenant list.

The two-level, 530,000-sq.-ft. center will be anchored by a Bloomingdale's outlet, Last Call by Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th and Forever 21.

Boston -- City Sports today announced plans for two new stores, including its largest store to date, in New York City’s financial district. Slated to open at the end of March, the bi-level, 10,500-sq.-ft. space will feature an open floor plan and many other details that nod to the building's origins as a bank. The store will be City Sports' third location in NYC.

In addition, the chain announced a new location for its Chestnut Hill, Mass., store, set for a March 16 opening to coincide with the brand's 30th anniversary.

Walmart Foundation president Sylvia Mathews Burwell will be named director of President Barack Obama’s Office of Management and Budget during a ceremony at the White House scheduled for Monday morning.

Obama announced his intent to appointment Burwell several months ago, but the nomination on Monday makes it official and paves the way for Senate confirmation hearings to begin.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., president and CEO Mike Duke said Burwell would do a tremendous job serving the county if she is confirmed by the Senate.

Chicago -- AWE Talisman and Macerich announced Monday that Fashion Outlets of Chicago will open on August 1 in Rosemont, Ill., featuring Bloomingdale's The Outlet Store, Last Call by Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th and 120 additional brands.

The two-level, 530,000-sq.-ft. outlet mall is the first fully enclosed, multi-level property with this level of amenities in the Chicago area in more than two decades, according to both companies.

Fort Worth, Texas -- Trademark Property announced that it has unveiled a new logo, corporate office and website as part of its 20-year anniversary.

On Feb. 4, the company moved into a new corporate office located in the River Plaza office building, part of Trademark’s WestBend mixed-use development in Fort Worth.  In addition, a new, more digital- friendly logo is being introduced along with new website to better reflect Trademark’s ever-changing and dynamic business.

New York -- RKF said it has arranged a 2,100-sq.-ft. lease for GNC at 302 Canal Street in downtown Manhattan.

The new store, which will consist of 1,050 sq. ft. on both the ground floor and basement of the building, is located less than one block east of Broadway near Mercer Street.  It will become GNC’s 47th Manhattan location when it officially opens this spring.

With this latest lease transaction, RKF has arranged five retail leases in New York City on behalf of GNC.

Walmart U.S. president and CEO Bill Simon should have plenty to say when he addresses investors March 5 at the 34th Annual Raymond James Institutional Investors Conference.

^{Simon’s comments precede the Raymond James conference but come roughly two weeks after Walmart reported disappointing top line growth at its U.S. stores by posting 1% comp increase that was at the low end of a forecast range calling for a gain of 1% to 3%. The company also issued a tepid outlook for first quarter growth with comps expected to be flat to up 2%.}

BOSTON — Braintree has been named as a finalist for a 2013 Innovator Award in the category of Most Disruptive by PYMNTS.com.