Financial/Banking

FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif. — Shortly after announcing the firing of its CEO, Wet Seal said it was looking into the possible sale of the company to the Clinton Group.

Wet Seal received a letter from the Clinton Group on July 23 and issued the following response:

Walmart added its sizable voice to the growing ranks of those opposed to a settlement regarding transaction fees charged by Visa and MasterCard.

PLANO, Texas — JCPenney has sold its interest in Simon Property Group, L.P. back to Simon Property Group Inc. for $248 million in cash, helping the company get back on financial track.

And the winner is… Oracle selects technology executive at Chile’s top department store chain for ultimate honor.

The average American has never heard of the Falabella chain of department stores, but the company dominates its home market of Chile and is regarded as a leader in the use of technology. So much so that when Oracle held its annual Retail Excellence Awards recently, it named Falabella’s VP technology and development, Julius Odian, as its Retailer Executive of the Year.

Woodbridge, N.J. -- Fameco Real Estate said it has leased retail space at Plaza Square in Wayne, N.J., bringing the center to full occupancy.
 
The 104,000-sq.-ft. center, owned by Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers, is anchored by ShopRite with Bank of America, Dollar Power, Bensi Italian Restaurant and Wendy’s. Recent lease signings include Great Clips, Hand & Stone, C2 Education and GNC.
 

Teen retailer Five Below is looking to become a household name following a wildly successful public stock offering this week that could see the company expand its store base from the current 200 units to 2,000.

The nation’s leading arts and crafts retailer is looking for a new top executive after John Menzer resigned to focus on recovery from a stroke.

After Menzer suffered a stroke in April, Michaels created an office of the CEO comprised of Lew Klessel, interim COO and a managing director of Bain Capital, and Chuck Sonsteby, Michael’s chief administrative officer and CFO. The pair will continue to lead the company until Menzer’s successor is hired.

Retailers don’t like the fees they are required to pay Visa and Mastercard, but retailers are willing to charge unwary and unbanked consumers plenty of other fees.