eCommerce

Target plans to launch its new website before the 2011 holiday season as is looking for people to join the Target talent community as it builds a best-in-class multichannel shopping experience. That’s according to the retailer’s website interesting openings are listed along with dozens of testimonials of people who already work for the company.

New York City -- Real estate firm The Feil Organization announced Friday that Tommy Bahama has signed a groundbreaking lease for the opening of its first Manhattan store at 551 First Avenue at 45th Street.

The Seattle-based chain signed a 12-year lease agreement and will occupy 8,500 sq. ft. on the ground, mezzanine and basement levels of the renowned art deco Fred F. French building that is owned and managed by The Feil Organization.

Belgium -- Belgian supermarket operator Delhaize Group said Thursday it plans to spend $1.21 billion opening new stores and remodeling existing outlets.

According to a report by Wall Street Journal, Delhaize, which operates mainly under the U.S. Food Lion, Hannaford and Sweet Bay banners, is making the investments despite a fourth quarter same-store sales decline of 0.8%.

Newport Beach, Calif. -- Grubb & Ellis Co. said Friday that H&M has leased 19,600 sq. ft. of retail space at The Forum in Carlsbad. 

The retailer signed a 10-year lease for the space, which includes a portion of the second level of The Forum. The company will take the majority of the space currently occupied by Borders Direct LLC, which is expected to vacate in spring 2011. 

The retailer, which plans to open its Carlsbad location in summer 2011, now has 2,200 stores in 38 countries.

Cincinnati -- A survey released Thursday by Cintas Corp. found that 99% of U.S. adults say poor cleanliness negatively impacts their perception of a retail store.

In the telephone survey conducted by Harris Interactive among more than 1,000 U.S. adults ages 18 and older, respondents said that dirty restrooms and unpleasant odors are more annoying than poor customer service.

Oak Brook, Ill. -- Inland Real Estate Acquisitions said Thursday it has purchased nine Dollar General stores in Alabama and Georgia for $8.5 million.

According to a report by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, the stores were built in 2010 and all leased to Dollar General Corp. through 2025 with multiple renewal options.

The stores range in size from approximately 9,000 sq. ft. to 10,600 sq. ft.

Washington, D.C. -- An endorsement by First Lady Michelle Obama of its new food nutrition and health initiative has helped to propel Wal-Mart Stores forward in its plans to remove political obstacles to further U.S. growth.

The new healthy food drive, in which Walmart is reformulating its Great Value private-label foods to reduce sodium and sugar contents, was announced on Thursday at a community center in a low-income area of Washington, D.C. It was attended by the First Lady, who also leads an administration initiative to fight childhood obesity.

New York City -- New York & Co. announced on Wednesday the appointment of David Witkewicz to executive VP design, effective this month.

Witkewicz will report to Greg Scott, president, and will serve on the company’s executive committee.

Witkewicz was previously VP design for Coach.