Department Store

Wells Fargo retail analyst Matt Nemer put several leading retailers to the test this week with an innovative approach to research. According to Barron’s, he went on a $5,000 shopping spree on the websites of some of the largest Internet-only and traditional retailers. He said Amazon.com offered the best shopping experience, and he rated the retailer at outperform. Walmart.com, was said to have higher prices than Amazon’s, but had strong customer service and didn’t showed up as well in searches.

Being supplied by 100% renewable energy sounded like a lofty goal when it was identified as one of Walmart’s top three sustainability priorities in late 2005, but as other retailers have demonstrated, it is an attainable goal.

Plano, Texas -- J. C. Penney Co. announced Wednesday that its board of directors has elected William A. Ackman, founder and CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management, and Steven Roth, chairman of the board of Vornado Realty Trust, as directors.

The appointments had been previously announced on Jan. 24. 
 

NEW YORK -- Macy’s announced that it has donated $16.25 million to various charitable organizations as a result of its 2010 Thanks For Sharing and Believe holiday campaigns. 

Cost segregation is a bargain tax strategy for shopping center owners

By Eli Loebenberg, [email protected]

Columbus, Ohio -- DSW said Tuesday that it will acquire its largest shareholder Retail Ventures and turn it into a wholly owned subsidiary, helping to simplify its relationship.

According to the shoe retailer, the two companies signed a merger agreement, under which DSW will give stockholders 0.435 of a DSW share for each share they hold of Retail Ventures.

Retail Venture holds a 62% stake in DSW.

The companies are slated to hold a conference on Wednesday to discuss the deal with investors.

Ocala, Fla. -- RMC Property Management Group announced that it has executed a new lease for a movie theater on behalf of the owner of Marion Shopping Center in Ocala, Fla.

Ocala Center 6, a six-screen theater, will occupy a 16,500-sq.-ft. space and is slated to open in May. Marion Shopping Center is anchored by Bealls Outlet and Rainbow Apparel.

Newport Beach, Calif. -- Grubb & Ellis Co. Said it has secured two new leases for Loft, a division of Ann Taylor Stores Corp., for a total of 10,589 sq. ft. of retail space in Marina Del Ray and Calabasas, Calif. 

The company signed a 10-year lease for 5,420 sq. ft. at Waterside in Marina Del Ray, and 5,169 sq. ft. at The Commons at Calabasas.

The two new stores are expected to open this spring. 

Both properties are owned by Caruso Affiliated.