Retail

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway shares dropped dramatically as the company reported $10 billion in sales for its first quarter 2013 ended March 23, which is essentially flat as compared to the first quarter of 2012. An identical-store sales increase of 1.5% (excluding fuel) was offset primarily by the disposition of Genuardi's stores in 2012 and lower fuel sales in 2013.

Indianapolis -- Jones Lang LaSalle said that Rebecca Wells has been named EVP in the company’s Indianapolis office, part of its Capital Markets arm.

In her new role, Wells will work closely with Midwest Capital Markets leader and International Director John Huguenard to expand the firm’s platform of services, focusing on retail and office dispositions in the Midwest.

Wells joins Jones Lang LaSalle from national commercial real estate firm Cassidy Turley, where she served as SVP Institutional Sales Group.

CHICAGO — Icing, the jewelry and accessories brand founded by Claire's in 1996, is about to get a branding makeover.

The new branding program includes an updated store design, new brand visual identity, modernized logo and the brand's first ever e-commerce enabled website. The brand seeks to establish itself as a destination for fashionable jewelry, accessories and expert style advice for young women ages 18 and older.

Leesburg, Va. -- Cypress Equities said that Orvis will open a new store at the 1.2 million-sq.-ft. Village at Leesburg mixed-use project in Leesburg, Va.

Orvis will occupy 6,022 sq. ft. in a new 13,000-sq.-ft. retail building currently under construction. Orvis is slated to open in fall 2013.

HERSHEY, Pa. — The Hershey reported a net sales increase of nearly 6%, driven by core brand volume. Consolidated net sales were $1.8 billion for the first quarter ended March 31, compared with $1.7 billion for the same period last year. 

Reported net income for the first quarter of 2013 was $242 million compared with $199 million for the same period last year.

Dallas -- S&S Enterprises said it has sold a portfolio of 12 Sunoco fuel centers and convenience stores in central and southeast Florida for $32 million to entities managed by Cole Real Estate Investments.

The portfolio consists of 37,275 sq. ft., with seven of the 12 locations having been redeveloped and all locations having received 20-year lease extensions.

ATLANTA — Aaron's, a lease-to-own retailer specializing in the sales and lease ownership of residential furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, has named David L. Buck as its new COO.

The company’s current COO, Ken Butler, 60, will retire May 1, after 39 years. Butler will also resign from the board of directors.

Huntington Beach, Calif. -- Bruxie announced that it opened its fifth waffle restaurant, with a new unit in Southern California in Huntington Beach on April 23.

Bruxie Gourmet Waffles opened at The Strand on 5th, a collection of shops and restaurants, boutique hotel and office space. Other key retail tenants to the coastal attraction include RA Sushi, Forever 21, Skechers, Active Ride, Rip Curl, Merrilee’s Swimwear, Johnny Rockets, ANGL, and CVS Pharmacy.