Mass Merchant

New York -- Aldi was recognized as the nation's low-price grocery leader for the fourth year in a row, according to a recent consumer survey conducted by Market Force Information. Aldi announced in December 2013 that it intends to open 650 new stores across the country during the next five years.

When asked to rank the top grocers offering low prices, the 6,200 consumers who participated in the study ranked Aldi first, followed by Costco and Walmart third.

Juvenile products manufacturer Bendon, Inc., has entered the premium craft market following a recent acquisition that also creates the potential for expanded distribution.

Atlanta — Participating JLL-managed centers across the country will be hosting back-to-school events in August, as part of a partnership with Teen Vogue.
Teen Vogue Back-To-School Saturdays (BTSS) feature teen-oriented retailer sales promotions, entertainment, fashion shows, music, food and giveaways. The multi-platform initiative involves all of Teen Vogue’s assets in print, digital, social, mobile and event marketing.

Conway, Ark. -- The Central Landing retail development now underway in Conway, Arkansas, has added a well-established name as a key anchor for the development’s first phase. Will Wilson, president of Jim Wilson & Associates, LLC and the company’s partner, the Conway Development Corporation, announced the completion of a letter of intent with Dillard’s to become part of the Central Landing development.

The Arkansas-based retailer will become an anchor for the development’s first phase.

Amazon has expanded same-day delivery and is now offering “Get It Today” capabilities to customers in Baltimore, Dallas, Indianapolis, New York City, Philadelphia and Washington DC metro areas, with more than a million eligible items now available for same-day delivery.

New York -- Uniqlo will make its Midwest debut in fall 2015, opening a flagship in downtown Chicago in fall 2015. The store, located at 830 North Michigan Avenue, will be Uniqlo’s second largest location in the United States, after its Fifth Avenue flagship in New York.

Smithfield, N.C. – Home South, a specialty home furnishings chain operated by Carolina Pottery, is opening a 30,000-sq.-ft. store in the Rock Hill Galleria shopping center in Rock Hill, South Carolina, in the fall. Rock Hill Galleria is anchored by Belk, Sears and J.C. Penney, plus offers a variety of specialty stores including Victoria’s Secret, Aeropostale, Hot Topic, Yankee Candle, rue21, Kay Jewelers and Bath & Body Works.

New York -- Target Corp. has added its name to a legal defense of gay marriage. The move comes four years after the company was criticized for supporting a strident opponent of same-sex unions.

Target signed a court brief backing marriage equality in a pending court case and publicly declared its support of gay marriage, joining the likes of Starbucks, Apple and Intel.