Department Store

DAYTON, Ohio — Interbrand, a consultancy, has named Walmart the most valuable retail brand for 2013. The retailer retained its top spot from 2012.

Rising through the ranks were Macy's, which increased brand value by 62% and moved up nine spots on the list to #40 and Amazon.com, which moved up to #4 on the list, growing brand value by 46%. 

Boucherville, Quebec, Canada -- Canadian home-improvement chain Rona Inc. announced Tuesday it has named Robert Sawyer as president and CEO, effective next month.

Sawyer was previously an executive at grocery chain Metro Inc.

Rona’s acting CEO Dominique Boies will remain as company CFO.

Middletown, N.Y. -- National Realty & Development Corp. said that Chipotle Mexican Grill will join Orange Plaza with a new 4,625-sq.-ft. store.

Orange Plaza is an 815,000-sq.-ft. power center located in Middletown, N.Y. and anchored by Walmart Supercenter, Home Depot, Kohl’s, Burlington Coat Factory, Marshalls, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Staples.

Waban, Mass. -- Research results released Tuesday by consulting firm Temkin Group revealed, among retailers, Sam’s Club and Amazon earned top marks.

According to the 2013 Temkin Experience Rankings which queried 10,000 U.S. consumers about customer service issues across 246 companies in 19 industries, Sam's Club and Amazon earned the top spots in the retail sector and RadioShack was the lowest rated retailer for the third consecutive year.

Boca Raton, Fla. -- Real estate development firm Fimiani Development said that it has named Lindsey Alexander and Meredith Housman as VPs of leasing for the company.
 
Alexander and Housman will work with Simon Property Company, Kite Realty Group, Kimco and Office Depot and will focus on landlord representation as well as tenant representation.

Alexander was previously with Woolbright Development and Housman with Equity One.

Peoria, Ill. -- Cullinan Properties announced it has officially opened its Levee District at East Peoria Downtown, in Peoria, Ill.

Joining anchor stores Costco, Target, Gordmans, ULTA Beauty and Ross Dress for Less at the shopping center are Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Potbelly Sandwich Shop, both slated to open this summer.

GNC will open a new store on May 8 at The Levee District, which encompasses over 86 acres that will include 500,000 sq. ft. of retail and restaurant space, as well as office, hotel and civic components.

Retail innovation cycles last approximately 20 years. As we take a look at retail history, this cycle becomes self-evident. From the general store to department stores to discount stores and so forth, each variety has their day in the sun as the leading channel for most purchases. Today, we’re lucky enough to be living within two powerful cycles simultaneously. But the fun will soon come to an end.

Washington, D.C. -- A report released Monday by the National Retail Federation said that the average person celebrating Easter this year will spend about $145.13 on candy, décor, apparel and food – with is flat with last year’s $145.28.

NRF, through its Easter Spending Survey conducted by BIGinsight, estimated that total spending will reach an estimated $17.2 billion this year.