Department Store

Target Corp. is extending its progress to renewable energy and making progress on its goal to have 500 buildings with rooftop solar panels by 2020.   

Williams Company Southeast has announced plans to break ground on what it claims will be the biggest to be built in Central Florida for years.   Vineland Point, a 447,500-sq.-ft. project developed by O’Connor Capital Partners on I-4 and Daryl Carter Parkway in Orlando exceeds the size of The Crosslands, another O’Connor project constructed by Williams that opened in Kissimmee in 2015.  

Fresh Market will open its second location in South Carolina’s capital region in the growing upscale suburb of Lexington.  

J.Crew Group is in a reorganization mode as it look to better position itself for growth.   The apparel retailer announced several strategic changes across its organization, including reducing headcount. Approximately 150 full-time and 100 open positions are being cut, mostly from corporate headquarters.     

One does not live by bargains alone, and the latest outlet center to realize that and pick up its food and beverage game is The Outlets at Legends in Sparks, Nevada.   RED Development announced that six new restaurants are slated to open at the center, including The Habit Burger Grill, Jersey Mike’s Subs, and Chick-Fil-A. A 75,000-sq.-ft. retail space expansion is also underway, led by a 40,000-sq.-ft. Burlington Coat Factory outlet with a planned opening in spring of 2018.  

Sears Holdings has a new finance chief — again.   The struggling retailer announced that Rob Riecker, currently controller and head of capital market activities, has been appointed CFO, effective immediately. He replaces Jason Hollar, who resigned “to pursue another career opportunity,” the retailer said. Hollar was appointed to the role in October 2016.  

Whether treating mom to jewelry or a special outing at her favorite restaurant, consumers plan to spend more than ever on Mother’s Day.   Specifically, Mother’s Day shoppers are expected to spend an average of $186.39 for the holiday, up from last year’s $172.22, according to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey, which tapped 7,406 consumers about their Mother’s Day plans. The study was conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics.  

Macy’s is getting more serious about its off-price format, Macy’s Backstage.   The department store giant plans to add 30 Backstage shops to existing Macy’s stores this year, reported CNBC. The format debuted in 2015, originally as a freestanding store.