eCommerce

New York City --- The Knot, a media company that targets brides-to-be and pregnant women, said Monday that Macy's has sold back its 10.7% stake in The Knot for $37.7 million.

The Knot did not give a reason for the repurchase and said it is part of a previously announced $50 million buyback plan.

The sale doesn't affect the companies' advertising and wedding registry agreements: The Knot will continue to direct wedding-minded readers to Macy's and Bloomingdale's registries, and Macy's will keep advertising in The Knot's media properties.

Ventura, Calif. -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said that Freeb!rds World Burrito has leased retail space in Ventura, Calif., at Ventura Village shopping center.

The fast casual-style Mexican restaurant has leased 2,808 sq. ft., bringing the center to 98% leased. The tenant is slated to open in June.

The Ventura Village location will be the first in Ventura County and one of the first five Freeb!rds restaurants to open in California. 

Pittsburgh -- General Nutrition Centers reported Friday that net income for the quarter ended Dec. 31 surged 56.3% to $19.8 million, compared with $12.7 million in the year-ago period.

Revenue for the quarter rose 7.9% to $435.7 million, from $403.9 million a year earlier. Same-store sales improved 5.8% in domestic company-owned stores (including e-commerce sales).
 

New York City -- Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB (Walmex) plans to increase investment by 45% in 2011 from last year as it expands its business in Mexico and Central America, Bloomberg reported.

Capital expenditures will increase to 18.97 billion pesos ($1.56 billion) this year, CEO Scot Rank said in remarks broadcast on the company’s website.

Los Angeles -- Caruso Affiliated said it has named Paul Kurzawa as the company’s new COO, a newly created position for the company. Kurzawa was previously executive VP operations for Caruso.

The firm also outlined a comprehensive expansion program that is designed to double its size in the next five years, according to founder and CEO Rick Caruso. Caruso outlined the company’s business goals and platform for growth at a recent employee meeting.

New York City -- Target Corp. said its annual sales may top $100 billion within the next seven years, with revenue boosted by its first expansion outside the United States, Bloomberg reported.

The chain also may double earnings per share over that period, CFO Douglas Scovanner said Thursday on a conference call after fourth-quarter results. Net income in the period ended Jan. 29 rose 11% to $1.04 billion.

New York City -- Winick Realty Group said that 5 Napkin Burger, the popular burger chain that’s opened three New York locations since 2003, has leased its fourth location at 150 East 14th Street, on the southwest corner of Third Avenue.

The restaurant includes 3,570 sq. ft. of ground-floor space, as well as a full basement. The new location is slated to open in April.

South Bend, Ind. -- Indianapolis-based Kite Realty Group said that McAlister’s Deli will open a 4,551-sq.-ft. location at Notre Dame, in South Bend, Ind.

The new quick-service delicatessen is slated to open this summer.