eCommerce

When describing Destiny USA – the 2.4 million-sq.-ft. dining, entertainment, shopping and outlet megaplex in Syracuse, N.Y. – it’s a toss-up whether to emphasize the offerings and amenities, or highlight the project’s own brand of environmental consciousness.

New York -- Cache said Monday that it has appointed Arnold Cohen as executive VP/chief marketing officer for the women’s apparel chain.

Cohen’s background includes eight years with American Eagle Outfitters, where he was involved in creating the first mobile concept, the early iteration of Martin and Osa, and the back-on-campus initiative that rolled out to 50 colleges.

New York -- Multibillion dollar transactions drove U.S. retail and consumer deals during the first quarter of 2013, according to PwC US.

For the three month period ending March 31, 2013, there were a total of 27 deals in the retail and consumer sector with disclosed values greater than $50 million, accounting for $39.8 billion in deal value. Deal volume increased 59% from the 17 deals during the first quarter 2012, while deal value rose 590% from $5.8 billion in first quarter 2012.  

Pittsburgh -- GNC Holdings reported Friday that net income for the quarter ended March 31 rose 12.5% to $72.6 million, compared with $64.5 million in the year-ago period.

Revenue increased 6.5% to $664.7 million, from $624.3 million last year. Same-store sales advanced 1.9% in domestic company-owned stores (including online sales).

New York -- Giving a much-needed boost to J.C. Penney Co., George Soros’ Soros Fund Management bought 17.4 million shares of the troubled retailer, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  

The stake, which was seen as a vote of confidence in returning CEO Mike Ullman, makes the billionaire investor the fourth-largest Penney shareholder, with a 7.9% stake.

New York -- The U.S. Senate on Thursday voted to move forward with the Marketplace Fairness Act, legislation that would allow states to force retailers to collect online sales taxes, if the states choose to do so.  

Pinecrest, Fla. -- Terranova Corp. said that it has signed a deal with Spanish restaurant chain 100 Montaditos to open a unit at Suniland Shopping Center, in Pinecrest, Fla.

100 Montaditos has signed a lease for 2,500 sq. ft. in Suniland, where it is projected to open in fourth quarter 2013. It is the third deal Terranova has transacted with 100 Montaditos, which it has signed in Coral Gables’ Miracle Mile and in downtown Miami’s Vizcayne, a condo tower with ground-floor retail.
    

Washington, D.C. -- Douglas Development announced that it has purchased a new mixed-use property in Chinatown DC. The 10,000-sq.-ft. building includes three levels of office space and 4,000 sq. ft. of street-level retail.
     
Douglas Development acquired the property from Washington, D.C.-based law firm Wingfield & Ginsburg, which has since leased back all of the office space from Douglas Development.