Retail

By Mike Wehrs

Arlington, Va. -- The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) announced that Garth Gasse has joined the association as director of retail operations, asset protection and Lisa LaBruno has been promoted to SVP retail operations.

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. — Central Garden & Pet Company has named John R. Ranelli as its new president and CEO, effective February 11.

Central Garden & Pet is a leading supplier of branded products for the lawn and garden and pet supplies markets. Ranelli has been a member of its board and a member of the board’s audit committee since 2010. He will remain on Central’s board and current chairman and CEO Bill Brown will remain chairman.

New York -- Douglas Elliman's Retail Group said Monday it has arranged a lease at 55 Spring Street, between Lafayette and Mulberry Streets, for Eight Turn Crepe, a Japanese-based restaurant chain.

The opening marks the quick-serve chain’s U.S. debut.
 
The space was previously occupied by Choco Bolo.

Oak Brook, Ill. -- Inland Diversified Real Estate Trust announced Monday the acquisition of a majority interest a portfolio of six grocery/home-improvement-anchored retail properties located in Las Vegas.

The properties were acquired in a joint venture between a subsidiary of Inland Diversified and affiliates of the seller Territory Inc.; the joint venture valued the portfolio at about $296 million.

West Des Moines, Iowa -- Convenience-store operator Kum & Go. opened 43 stores in nine states — more than double its previous record of 21 new stores in 2009 — in 2012, for a total of 430 stores in 11 states. The company plans to continue its growth strategy in the coming years.

“We’re not letting up,” president and CEO Kyle J. Krause said. “Our growth plan for the next five years is just as aggressive.”

Walter Killough will step down as CEO of the 109 unit Delia’s retail chain on April 1.

The retail said it and Killough reached a mutual agreement not to renew his employment agreement which was scheduled to expire on August 2. Plans now call for Killough to leave the company on April 1, however he may stay on longer if a replacement has not been named.

NEW YORK — Same store sales at Bed Bath & Beyond could be in for a nice bump if a pricy new hair removal product becomes popular with shoppers.