Retail

INDIANAPOLIS — Kohl’s plans to leverage cloud technology so it can focus on core business and meet peak seasonal demands. To that end, the company has entered into a long-term, multi-year contract to migrate its contact center to the Interactive Intelligence Communications-as-a-Service solution. 

A huge redevelopment in Longmont, Colo., now has big new tenant names to promote. NewMark Merrill Mountain States has just named three new anchors for the redeveloped Twin Peaks Mall: Longmont’s first Whole Foods Market; a new, state-of-the-art Regal Cinemas; and Sam’s Club. The project, which is slated to open in 2014, also unveiled its new name – Village at the Peaks.
 

New York - Ethnic consumers represent strong potential for retailers, according to new data released by the Nielsen Company. For example, the 43 million African-Americans in the U.S. (about 14% of the population) buy more hand and body lotion products than the average consumer.

New York -- The Deloitte Consumer Spending Index (Index) dipped slightly in April, primarily due to an increase in the tax rate, while other economic fundamentals remain steady. The Index tracks consumer cash flow as an indicator of future consumer spending.

Known for its “World Famous Almond Toffee,” Enstrom Candies is featuring three new flavors in a new impulse product line, featuring bite-size toffee for wholesale distribution.

San Diego -- Despite being the most tech-savvy generation in history, Generation Y, the 80-million strong cohort of Americans between the ages of 18 and 35, has not forsaken shopping in stores for online purchasing – as long as retailers keep their offerings "fresh" and interesting, according to a new report from the Urban Land Institute (ULI).

ECRM compared retail circular advertising in April 2012 vs. April 2013 and noticed some common overall trends across top retail chains.  While looking at the data, the biggest change from April 2012 to April 2013 came from Lowe’s Home Improvement.

Beachwood, Ohio -- DDR Corp. announced an agreement to acquire a portfolio of prime power centers from its existing joint venture with Blackstone Real Estate Partners VII.  The acquisition is slated to close in fourth quarter 2013.
 
The joint venture between Blackstone and DDR currently owns 44 shopping centers, and DDR will acquire Blackstone's 95% common equity ownership interest in 30 of the shopping centers for $1.46 billion.