Retail

SAN FRANCISCO — Beauty retailer Sephora has launched Sephora University Beauty Classes, a new program designed to help beauty lovers of all ages and abilities master everything from building a skin care routine to creating the perfect smoky eye.

Now available in more than 60 stores throughout the United States, these complimentary classes are the newest way in which Sephora is striving to further enhance the client experience.

Houston — Jones Lang LaSalle’s Capital Markets group has closed the sale of Montgomery Plaza on behalf of Weingarten Realty Investors. American National Insurance Company purchased the 304,867-sq.-ft. shopping center, located in Conroe, Texas.

Montgomery Plaza retailers include Academy Sports & Outdoors, Big Lots, Conn’s Appliances, 99 Cents Only and Petco. In addition to the inline space, there are two multi-tenant pads and two single-tenant pads.

By Pascale Juan, I Love Velvet

As the payments industry moves at lightning speed and technology changes rapidly, it can be a challenge to keep pace with the security payments and standards of the mobile payments industry. In addition, one of the most frustrating areas of mobile security is the challenge of navigating global security requirements. As a global brand, using mobile point-of-sale (MPOS) requires compliance with the differing security certifications and methods in various countries.

Canton, Mass. — As part of Dunkin’ Donuts’ development strategy to increase its international presence, the company has announced plans to develop restaurants in Turkey. The company is seeking large well-capitalized groups with operating experience capable of building out region with a minimum of 20 to 25 restaurants. The schedule calls for the first restaurants to open in early 2015. The goal is to develop more than 100 restaurants over the next 10 years.

Bohemia, N.Y. -- FrontStreet Facility Solutions announced that Brian French will join the executive leadership team as VP of operations. French is the former president of Cairn Development.
 

Wilmington, N.C. -- National mobility equipment franchisor 101 Mobility is seeking to attract potential franchisees in the Kansas City, Mo., market. 101 Mobility has introduced geo-specific online advertising combined with SEO-rich organic content to reach potential Kansas City franchise candidates.

101 Mobility currently has 29 franchisees operating physical and online stores in 70 territories.

Dallas – Neiman-Marcus Group Inc. and Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) are reportedly seeking loans to support merger and acquisition activity.

According to Bloomberg, Neiman-Marcus is trying to secure $3.75 billion in loans to support its planned buyout by Ares Management LLC and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board. That figure reportedly includes a $2.95 billion term loan and an $800 million asset-backed loan.

Denton, Texas — Cencor Realty Services has named Carrie Carter director of marketing for Golden Triangle Mall in Denton, Texas. Carter’s new responsibilities include creating and executing the mall’s marketing, public relations, advertising and social media programs. She will also support the mall’s current renovation through the development of marketing, collateral and presentation materials.