eCommerce

The surge in February same-store sales Target reported Thursday morning didn’t come as a surprise to incoming CFO John Mulligan who alerted the market to the above plan performance when Target reported fourth-quarter results on Feb. 23.

New York City -- Women’s apparel retailer Cache Inc. said Thursday that it has partnered with e-commerce solution provider FiftyOne Global Ecommerce to facilitate international sales and shipments to more than 100 countries, beginning in fall 2012.

New York City -- J.C. Penney Co. has promoted Elizabeth Sweney to the position of chief merchant, Women’s Wear Daily reported.

Sweney is a 12-year-company veteran. She served as executive VP and general merchandise manager of women’s apparel.

NEW YORK — In a month that was solid overall, the discount sector showed its muscle, turning in a strong February same-store sales performance nearly across the board.

After suggesting last week that sales had accelerated and returned to a pre-holiday pace, Target reported Thursday that same-store sales for the month rose 7%, beating Wall Street’s expected 5.2%. Total sales during the period rose 8% to $5.13 billion, boosted by strength in the food, healthcare and beauty categories. Accessories and apparel performed above average as well.

Shanghai, China -- Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group, along with Chinese retail conglomerate Bailian Group, announced plans to jointly develop a branded Premium Outlet Center in Pudong, Shanghai, China.

Simon Property Group is the world's largest developer, owner and operator of outlet shopping centers, with interests in 70 Premium Outlet Centers located in the United States, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — When people are working -- whether at a small business or large corporation -- they need office supplies, so when a company such as Staples delivers a retail sales increase for the fourth quarter, it is good sign that the economy is improving.

San Francisco -- Gap Inc. is expanding its footprint in Latin America. Leveraging its franchise model, the company has opened its first stores in Panamá and plans to introduce its brands to three additional Latin American countries: Colombia, Uruguay, and Peru.

Columbus, Ohio -- Casto announced that Bruce Engelhardt has joined the firm’s property management team where his primary focus will be on a retail portfolio totaling 1.8 million sq. ft. of shop space.

Most recently, Engelhardt was the group manager of the Open-Air Division at Jones Lang LaSalle.