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MINNEAPOLIS — The unexpected announcement that Target EVP and CFO Doug Scovanner will retire on March 31, 2012 has investors speculating about the reasons for his departure following the recent exit of other key executives.

Analysts at Bernstein Research pointed to the fact that no successor has been named, suggesting that the retirement was not a long planned for event. However, the firm said it believes that despite the unexpected news, this appears to be a true retirement and doesn't anticipate seeing Scovanner in a CFO role at another major company.

Minneapolis -- Target Corp. said Tuesday that its CFO and executive VP Doug Scovanner will retire from his posts effective March 31, 2012.

He will remain with the company for the next five months to assist with the transition, according to the retailer.

A successor has not yet been named.

Scovanner has served in his current role since 1999.
 

Farmington Hills, Mich. -- Pet Supplies “Plus” said Tuesday that Donna Capichano Simmons has joined the company as senior VP real estate.

Capichano Simmons, who was previously VP real estate development for Kohl’s, is charged with refining and implementing PSP’s real estate growth strategy.
 

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Stein Mart said Monday it has completed a new $100 million senior secured revolving credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. to replace an existing $150 million revolving credit facility, which was maturing in early 2012.

The new facility can be increased to $150 million and matures in February 2017. The revolving credit is for general corporate purposes, including issuing standby and commercial letters of credit, and provides an additional source of liquidity, according to Stein Mart.

Indianapolis -- Kite Realty Group said that The Flying Cupcake has leased 856 sq. ft. at Rivers Edge Shopping Center, located in Indianapolis.

Rivers Edge, recently renovated, is anchored by Nordstrom Rack, Buy Buy Baby, The Container Store, Harry & Izzy’s and soon Arhaus Furniture. The total GLA is 152,575 sq. ft.

New York City -- Macy’s announced that its namesake stores across the country will open at midnight on Nov. 25, the midnight of Thanksgiving night, to kick off the 2011 holiday shopping season. It is the first time that Macy’s has opened its doors chainwide at midnight. The company’s Bloomingdale’s unit will open its doors on Black Friday at 8 a.m.

Last year, Macy's opened eight stores at midnight. The rest of the stores opened at 4 a.m.

The proverbial race to the bottom is nearing its conclusion as evidenced this week by Target’s decision to open Denver area stores on Thanksgiving Day. This development was overshadowed somewhat by the retailer’s decision to open stores at midnight on Black Friday, but it is no less significant simply because only one market is involved.

The latest pricing studying from Deutsche Bank analyst Charles Grom shows a basket of 50 items is still cheaper at Walmart than Target, but by a slimmer margin than in the past.