Retail

Gander Mountain, the nation’s largest retail network of stores for hunting, fishing, camping and marine products and accessories, is turning to Manhattan Associates to help it enable its omni-channel strategy.

Gander will use Manhattan Associates' enterprise order management and store inventory and fulfillment solutions to create a seamless experience for its customers across all channels by giving them a single view of inventory and letting them control how and when they take delivery of Gander merchandise.

Prince Frederick, Md. -- Brixmor Property Group announced that Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft will open a 12,020-sq.-ft. store at Fox Run, located in Prince Frederick, Md.

Brixmor, based in New York City, is the owner of Fox Run.

Indianapolis -- Simon Property Group announced that it has named Liz Zale as senior VP in a newly created role overseeing corporate affairs and communications, effective May 1.  

Zale's responsibilities will include supervision of Simon’s investor relations, public relations, corporate communications, and government relations functions.
 
She previously served as senior VP investor relations for Nielsen Holdings.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Columbia Sportswear Company has appointed Shawn Cox as SVP of retail, a newly created position that will report directly to president and CEO Tim Boyle.

In his new role, Cox, 49, will be responsible for leading the company’s brick-and-mortar retail and e-commerce operations in the U.S., Europe and Canada.

Cox has 24 years of experience developing, managing and improving profitability of branded retail networks with operations in the U.S., Europe, South America, Middle East and Asia.

New York -- Multibillion dollar transactions drove U.S. retail and consumer deals during the first quarter of 2013, according to PwC US.

For the three month period ending March 31, 2013, there were a total of 27 deals in the retail and consumer sector with disclosed values greater than $50 million, accounting for $39.8 billion in deal value. Deal volume increased 59% from the 17 deals during the first quarter 2012, while deal value rose 590% from $5.8 billion in first quarter 2012.  

Melville, N.Y. -- A&G Realty Partners announced Monday that former executive VP of real estate for Charming Shoppes, Jonathon Graub, has joined the firm as principal.

Graub will leverage his background to advise clients on strategic growth opportunities and to assist with their real estate operations.
 

NEW YORK — Former J. Crew executive Arnold P. Cohen has been named EVP and CMO at Cache, a specialty chain of women’s apparel stores.

Phoenix -- Leslie’s Poolmart, parent to Leslie’s Swimming Pool Supplies, said Monday that it will grand-open two stores on May 3, putting the retailer on track toward opening its previously announced 48 new stores between March and May 2013.

The May 3 grand openings are in Springfield, Pa., and in Oceanside, Calif.