Retail

Toronto -- Canadian Tire has opened a digital development lab in Communitech, a start-up incubator that is home to some 100 startups and small businesses along with such “strategics” partner companies as Google Inc. and Intel Corp.
 
Communitech supports tech companies at all stages of their growth and development in the commercialization of innovative technologies.

Warrendale, Pa. -- Teen fashion retailer Rue21 opened its 900th store on March 21, in the Southern Hills Shopping Center of West Plains, Missouri. The company also reported that its fourth quarter income increased 16% on strong sales.

New York -- In another sign that British retail giant Tesco is reconsidering its U.S. Fresh & Easy division, the company sent an email sent to shoppers in which it acknowledged that the grocer doesn't know "if Tesco will continue to own the company," the Los Angeles Times reported.
 
Fresh & Easy spokesman Brendan Wonnacott said that Tesco is still reviewing its American chain, and will make an update in April as part of the company's full-year results, the report said.

Minneapolis -- Supervalu announced appointments to its executive team, including Janel Haugarth who will remain with the company as EVP and president of independent business and supply chain services. The announcement comes as Sam Duncan, Supervalu president and chief executive continues finalizing his leadership team following the sale of five retail banners to Cerberus-led investment group AB Acquisition LLC, a transaction that was completed on March 21.

In other appointments:

The recent announcement that retail giant Walmart plans to open more than 100 of the brand’s Neighborhood Market stores in 2013, and as many as 500 Neighborhood Market locations over the next few years, has industry analysts and observers talking. They have my attention, as well.

New Orleans -- Covington, La.-based Stirling Properties said that Walgreens has opened a new store on Magazine Street in New Orleans.

Camp Hill, Pa. -- Philadelphia-based Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust announced that DSW has opened a 17,500-sq.-ft. store at PREIT’s Capital City Mall property, located in Camp Hill, Pa.

The mall completed the space for DSW — the retailer’s first in the area — by building on an additional 5,000 sq. ft.

Paducah, Ky. -- Youngstown, Ohio-based Cafaro Co. said that a new restaurant and two new stores will open at its Kentucky Oaks Mall property, located in Paducah, Ky.

Los Burritos Locos will open a 2,400-sq.-ft. restaurant on April 1 near the mall’s main entrance. Yankee Candle will open a 1,200-sq.-ft. store between Gymboree and Victoria’s Secret in June, and Shoe Carnival will occupy more than 16,300 sq. ft. next to David’s Bridal.