Retail

New York -- The latest data from Nielsen shows the number of U.S. convenience stores continues to expand and last year set a new record with 149,220 units.

That figures is up 1,094 units from the prior year so the increase amounts to only a 0.7% gain, according to the 2013 National Association of Convenience Stores/Nielsen Convenience Industry Store Count. Even so, the growth is noteworthy at a time when overall expansion of selling space in the broader retailer industry has remained stagnant even though the recession officially ended in 2009.

City of Commerce, Calif. -- The founding family of the 99 Cents Only Stores chain has been fired by its owners, with retail veteran Richard Anicetti and Michael Fung taking over top executive roles.

The retailer said that Eric Schiffer (CEO), Jeff Gold (president) and Howard Gold (EVP) are “no longer employed by the company” and that Richard Anicetti has been named interim CEO. Schiffer is the son-in-law of founder David Gold while Jeff and Howard are his sons.

Valrico, Fla. -- Indianapolis-based Kite Realty Group said Wednesday that The Fresh Market has leased 18,091 sq. ft. at Lithia Crossing, located in Valrico, Fla.
 
The grocer will also open a store at Shops at Eagle Creek, in Naples, Fla. The new store will comprise 23,935 sq. ft.

CHICAGO — One-in-five consumers between the ages of 35 years and 54 years are choosing products due to a loyalty card discount, SymphonyIRI Group reported Wednesday as part of its Q4 2012 MarketPulse survey. And almost one-third are forsaking their preferred brands due to a sale price. The survey found that shopper sentiment dropped to its lowest point since Q3 2011.

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Regency Centers said Wednesday it has appointed Joanna Rotonde to lead the company’s acquisitions and dispositions activities in the northeastern U.S.

Rotonde will focus on the expansion markets of Boston, Philadelphia and metro New York, and is charged with identifying, evaluating and structuring profitable property acquisition and disposition opportunities within Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.  

Rotonde previously served as assistant VP for Urstadt Biddle Properties.

BOCA RATON, Fla. — Office Depot announced that it has been recognized by DiversityBusiness.com, the nation's leading multicultural business-to-business website, as one of the “Top 50 Organizations for Multicultural Business Opportunities” for 13 successive years. Office Depot was ranked fifth on the list.

Companies on the "Div50" list are recognized for the volume, consistency, and quality of business opportunities granted to women- and minority-owned companies. 

Chattanooga, Tenn. -- Mall owner CBL & Associates Properties said Thursday that, in 2013, it will complete multi-million dollar renovations at three major malls: Friendly Center in Greensboro, N.C.; Greenbrier Mall in Chesapeake, Va.; and The Mall of Acadiana in Lafayette, La.

BrandMasters is the name of a new experiential marketing agency created by Crossmark, one of the companies that executes in store activities at Walmart under the Shopper Events banner.