White House Black Market (WHBM)

Atlanta -- Sandwich operator Arby's Restaurant Group recorded systemwide same-store sales growth in first quarter 9.8%, marking 18 consecutive quarters of comp growth and indicating progress toward the quick-serve chain’s goal to surpass $4 billion in system-wide total sales by the end of 2018.
 

Lands' End has added a digital component to its sponsorship of the White House Easter Egg Roll this year.

The retailer says this year's theme for the Easter Egg Roll is "#GimmeFive," which encourages Americans across the country to share five things on social media they are doing to eat better, be more active, and lead a healthier life, and supports the First Lady's Let's Move! initiative to help kids grow up healthy and have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Staten Island Mall announced that the 1.2-million-sq.-ft. property will undergo a much anticipated multi-million dollar redevelopment that will add interior and exterior upgrades, new fashion retailers, restaurants, a Fairway Market and public piazza for guests to gather and enjoy events year-round, including a farmers market, holiday festivities, fashion shows and community fundraisers.

Enhancements also include the ability for Macy’s to expand.

Dallas -- Trademark Property Co., the operating partner for The Shops at Highland Village, has announced a multi-million dollar renovation of the 352,000-sq.-ft. shopping center that includes enhanced common area improvements, upgraded landscaping, new amenities for adults and children, updated facades, and new signage throughout the property.

New York -- Jay Carney, former White House press secretary for the Obama administration and current CNN analyst, has been appointed senior VP of worldwide corporate affairs for Amazon, effective March 2. The newly created position brings Amazon’s worldwide public relations and public policy shops into one department under Carney.

The news was first reported by Politico, which noted that Carney will leave CNN and divide his time between the online retail giant’s headquarters in Seattle and Washington, D.C.

Madison, Wis. -- Two locally owned businesses – Mes Amies and Waxing the City – will join the tenant lineup as part of the redevelopment of Hilldale shopping center, located in Madison, Wisconsin.

Women’s apparel boutique Mes Amies will open this summer, a relocation from Chicago. And waxing and personal care studio Waxing the City will make its Wisconsin debut with the Hilldale store, also slated to open summer 2015.  

The White House recently hosted a daylong Summit on Cybersecurity and Consumer Protection at Stanford University. Speakers ranged from President Barack Obama to Apple CEO Tim Cook to Walgreens president Alex Gourlay). Here are a few takeaways.

Retailers Recognize Chip and PIN

Washington, D.C. – Assorted advocacy groups and professional associations, including the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Merchant Financial Cyber Partnership, are urging the White House to take steps to improve cybersecurity for retail transactions. The public call comes as President Obama convenes a daylong Cybersecurity Summit at Stanford University on Feb. 13. The summit, which will include a keynote speech by the president, is part of a renewed drive to combat cyber hackers.

Washington, D.C. – As the Pacific Maritime Association prepares to shut down U.S. West Coast ports from Feb. 13-16, the National Retail Federation (NRF) is issuing a public statement asking for direct White House intervention.

As the Pacific Maritime Association prepares to shut down U.S. West Coast ports from Feb. 13-16, the National Retail Federation (NRF) is issuing a public statement asking for direct White House intervention.