Events

Philadelphia -- Ulta Beauty will open a flagship in Philadelphia on Rittenhouse Row in the Center City district. The store will be the beauty retailer’s first location in Center City.

“Ulta will open an exciting three level store much like its only other signature urban store in Chicago,” said Steve O’Malley, partner at Fameco Real Estate, who represented the retailer in the transaction.

The Grocery Manufacturers Association inducted Richard Jurgens, chairman and CEO of Hy-Vee Inc. and Dean Pappas, CEO of Clement Pappas and Company Inc., into its Hall of Achievement.

The recognition came at a gala dinner Sunday night as GMA held its annual executive conference in Colorado Springs. The Hall of Achievement Award represents the highest honor given by the more than 100 year-old association.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears' Craftsman brand is using the upcoming Republican and Democratic National Conventions to show that two sides can come together.

The company has teamed up with Ty Pennington of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" fame, Sears Heroes at Home, Rebuilding Together, NextGen Home built by Champion and Bank of America to build two halves of one home -- one in Tampa, Fla. during the RNC and the other in Charlotte, N.C. during the DNC.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) and its Associate Member Council (AMC) have awarded E. & J. Gallo Winery and PepsiCo Inc. with the 2012 CPG Awards for Innovation and Creativity. The award is given annually to companies that have demonstrated creativity, innovation, and have made a significant impact on the industry knowledge base.
 

Atlanta -- Aaron's announced that R. Charles Loudemilk, Sr., chairman of the board of directors, will retire mid-September after founding and building Aaron's, which in now in its 57th year of operation.

Upon his retirement, Loudermilk will become chairman emeritus of the company.

WAYNE, N.J. — Toys"R"Us has released the 2012 edition of the Toys"R"Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids. Published annually, this complimentary guide is available now in Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us stores nationwide and online, in both English and Spanish, at Toysrus.com/DifferentlyAbled. This year, mom, TV host and philanthropist Nancy O'Dell appears on the cover alongside Saskia Vogt, an 8-year-old girl with Down syndrome.

Wounded retailers have a tendency to take irrational actions which means Walmart could have its hands full this holiday season as Best Buy is looking desperate and has a new CEO at the helm.

Irving, Texas -- Michaels Stores Inc. reported that its net income rose 30% to $13 million for the quarter ended July 28, from $10 million in the year-ago period. The retailer said an increase in total transactions and custom framing helped boost second-quarter earnings for the arts and crafts retailer.

Total sales for the quarter ending July 28 rose 4.1% to  $892 million. Same-store sales increased 2.9%.

Michaels filed for an IPO in March.
 

Memphis -- Fred’s reported Thursday that net income for the quarter ended July 28 rose 19% to $6.1 million, compared with $5.1 million in the year-ago period.

Sales rose 4% to $470.8 million from $452.7 million, and same-store sales dipped 1%.

Profit results missed Wall Street expectations, and the discounter has lowered its full-year earnings forecast.


 

Gurnee, Ill. -- Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group said that Bed Bath & Beyond, along with Buy Buy Baby, will open this fall in a shared space at Gurnee Mills outlet center, in Gurnee, Ill.

The Bed Bath & Beyond/Buy Buy Baby prototype store will be located near Last Call by Neiman Marcus, The Gap Outlet and Build-a-Bear Workshop at the value center.