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Analysis: Gap Raises the Bar on Digital Revolution with New CEO Appointment
By Les Berglass The appointments of new chief executives of major brands always cause a stir, but Gap Inc.’s recent announcement that Art Peck would succeed Glenn Murphy hit Wall Street like a truck. Why? Because the investment community wanted a more predictable, standing CEO—it likes stability. But the truth is, this is a positive and revolutionary change.
DDR and Blackstone JV closes on $2 billion 71-center purchase
Beachwood, Ohio --DDR Corp. and an affiliate of Blackstone Real Estate Partners VII announced that a joint venture formed by the pair has closed on the acquisition of 71 shopping centers previously owned by American Realty Capital Properties for $1.93 billion.

Mattress Firm completes Sleep Train acquisition

Houston –- Mattress Firm Holding Corp. has completed its $245 million acquisition of West Coast bedding specialty retailer The Sleep Train Inc. Sleep Train operates approximately 310 specialty mattress retail stores located in California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada and Hawaii, and reported net sales of approximately $471 million for the 2013 fiscal year.
Epicor acquires analytics provider QuantiSense
Sears raising cash via rights offer and leasing deal with U.K. apparel retailer Primark
Gavales named CEO at Things Remembered

Former Talbots and Bloomingdales executive Lisa Gavales was named president and CEO of personalized gift retailer Things Remembered where she plans to further evolve the retailer’s omnichannel offering.

Things Remembered operates 600 stores nationwide that are integrated with its Web site to allow for online ordering and same day pick up. Gavales will join the company November 10 to fill the position being vacated by Michael Anthony. He is relinquishing the CEO title after eight years but will remain as chairman of the board.
Simon malls to offer Ziploop mobile shopping app

Indianapolis –- Simon malls will feature the Ziploop mobile shopping app during the 2014 holiday season. The app stores paper, cards, coupons and certificates and stores them on a mobile device, tablet or desktop.
It’s official: Apple Pay goes live Monday, Oct. 20

Cupertino, Calif. -- Apple announced that its mobile payments solution, Apple Pay, will be launched in the United States on Monday, October 20. CEO Tim Cook made the announcement Thursday at a media event at which he unveiled several new products, including updated versions of the iPad.
Under Armour nabs Neiman exec for board

Karen Katz, president and CEO of Neiman Marcus Group, has been appointed to the board of directors of Under Armour Inc.
Target Canada opens three new stores

Mississauga, Ont. -- Target Canada is opening three new stores Oct. 17, located in Ottawa, Ont; Sheridan Centre in Mississauga, Ont. and Polo Park in Winnipeg, Man. The opening of the three new stores marks the final stores scheduled to open in 2014 and brings the total number of Target Canada stores open across the country to 133.

Analysis: Gap Raises the Bar on Digital Revolution with New CEO Appointment

DDR and Blackstone JV closes on $2 billion 71-center purchase

Mattress Firm completes Sleep Train acquisition

Epicor acquires analytics provider QuantiSense

Sears raising cash via rights offer and leasing deal with U.K. apparel retailer Primark

Gavales named CEO at Things Remembered

Simon malls to offer Ziploop mobile shopping app

It’s official: Apple Pay goes live Monday, Oct. 20

Under Armour nabs Neiman exec for board

Target Canada opens three new stores