eCommerce

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.
 

New York City -- A Thursday report by the New York Times said that teen retailer Delia’s has put itself up for sale.

According to the report, the company has been soliciting interest from buyers including private equity firms. Delia’s has not confirmed the report, and it is currently unknown what, if any, other options the retailer is considering.

SAN FRANCISCO -- Delivering its fourth consecutive year of double-digit earnings per share growth, Gap Inc. reported earnings per share for fiscal year 2010 increased 19% to $1.88 on a diluted basis compared with $1.58 on a diluted basis for fiscal year 2009. Net earnings grew by $102 million to $1.2 billion.

San Fransciso -- Gap credited rising sales abroad, online and at its Banana Republic and Old Navy chains for helping to boost its fourth-quarter net income rise 3.7%, beating analysts expectations. However, the chain issued an annual profit forecast that fell short of expectations, saying its operating profits would be squeezed as it grapples with soaring costs of cotton and other raw materials.

Gap also announced that it plans to buy back $2 billion in shares, on top of recent repurchases totaling $2.6 billion.

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.