Convenience Stores

Washington, D.C. -- The International Council of Shopping Centers announced Tuesday the launch of a new website devoted to sales tax fairness and how the current sales tax system is unable to support the 21st Century retail marketplace.

The site, 21stcenturyretail.org, will be continuously updated to provide the public, stakeholders, the media and lawmakers with information on the online sales tax loophole and resources to help level the playing field for all retailers, according to ICSC.

Oakbrook, Terrace, Ill. -- A report released Monday by Mid-America Real Estate Corp. suggested that new shopping center construction in and around Chicago could ramp up significantly after this year.

According to the 2011-12 Chicagoland Shopping Center Report, with a 13.4% decrease in new shopping center GLA in Chicagoland last year, 2011will likely mark the bottom of a four-year decline in retail center construction. After a flat 2012, shopping center development could double in 2013, according to Andy Bulson, author of the report.
 

Pleasanton, Calif. -- Safeway Inc. named Lori Raya as president of its Vons division.

In her most recent position as senior VP, Main Meal, Raya had responsibility for the company's largest portfolio of center-store business units including ingredients, beverages and snacks.

Bowie, Md. -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said it has leased retail space to three new tenants at Bowie Plaza, located in Bowie, Md.

Opening its fifth gym in the Washington, D.C./Baltimore market, Fitness 4 Less is relocating to 21,750 sq. ft. in Bowie Plaza. Peeper’s Family Eye Care leased 2,400 sq. ft. of retail space, and Dunkin’ Donuts, offering a drive-thru option, leased 1,600 sq. ft. of space.

All three businesses are slated to open in spring 2012.

Baltimore -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said that it has leased space at Festival at Woodholme, located in Baltimore, to Corner Bakery Cafe. 

The fast-casual restaurant leased 3,513 sq. ft. of space and is slated to open in summer 2012. The cafe is the newest addition to an array of new retailers, including Ann Taylor Loft, Francesca’s Collection, Wine Loft and Couture Moda, that recently joined Festival at Woodholme.

Deerfield, Ill. -- Walgreens will acquire the prescription files and inventory from 33 Kmart pharmacies in 16 states.

Walgreens will purchase the pharmacy patient files and transfer them to nearby Walgreens pharmacies. Patients whose prescription files are being transferred and who have had a prescription filled within the last two years will be notified by letter once the transaction has been completed later in February.
 

Paris -- Carrefour, the second largest retailer in the world after Wal-Mart Stores, has selected French retailing veteran Georges Plassat, 62, as its next CEO and chairman.

Grand Rapids, Mich. -- Meijer said Friday it has appointed J.K. Symancyk to the newly created role of COO. The grocery and superstore retailer has also hired Peter Whitsett as executive VP of merchandising and marketing.

Symancyk will report directly to Mark Murray, president of Meijer, and will have three direct reports: Janet Emerson, executive VP of retail operations; Rick Keyes, executive VP of supply chain and manufacturing; and Peter Whitsett, who is operating in the role previously held by Symancyk.