Department Store

Total U.S. Shopper Traffic in Retail Stores and Malls for May 2013

Shopper activity had a healthy gain last month. Retail foot traffic increased 9% in May compared to April 2013, consistent with generally positive month-over-month retail traffic trends. Foot traffic for May 2013 increased 6.9% compared to the same month in 2012.

New York -- President Bill Clinton and Macy’s CEO Terry Lundgren on Tuesday were honored as 2013 Fathers of the Year by the non-profit National Father's Day Council.

The awards were given at the group’s annual 72nd annual Father luncheon in New York City, with proceeds from the event benefitting Save the Children’s U.S. programs.

Columbus, Ohio -- Glimcher Realty Trust has announced plains to purchase its remaining interest in WestShore Plaza in Tampa, Fla. and to sell its interest in Lloyd Center in Portland, Ore. Glimcher holds a 40% interest in a joint venture with Blackstone Real Estate Partners VI that owns both properties.

New York – Initial Bloomberg estimates indicate US retail sales edged up 0.4% last month, with growth in the job market spurring increased consumer willingness to spend money. The projected increase is the largest in three months and follows smaller increases of 0.1% in April.

Foothill Ranch, Calif. -- The Wet Seal announced today that retail veteran Lesli Gilbert has been appointed executive VP, stores and operations, effective immediately. Gilbert replaces Barbara Cook, former senior VP store operations, who resigned in February.

Most recently, Gilbert was senior VP of stores at The Talbots, where she was responsible for developing the stores strategy and framework to reposition the business

Matthews, N.C. -- Family Dollar Stores names Brad Rogers as senior VP real estate. He replaces Keith Gehl, who retires from the company at the end of June.
   
Rogers joined Family Dollar in 1998 as a real estate manager with responsibility for new store development in North and South Carolina. Between 2006 and 2011, Rogers assumed greater roles with increased responsibilities, and in 2011, he was named VP real estate.

Hordes of spend-happy young Mexican shoppers are successfully attracting specialty apparel retailers from the U.S. and Europe – and, as mentioned in a recent report by Wall Street Journal, Walmart is feeling the pain.

FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif. — The Wet Seal has appointed retail veteran Lesli Gilbert to the position of EVP, stores and operations. She replaces Barbara Cook, who resigned as the company's SVP of store operations in February.