Mass Merchant

Gordmans Stores is looking for a new head merchant — in addition to a permanent CEO - following the resignation of Michael Morand as EVP and chief merchandising officer.

Goodlettsville, Tenn. -- Keep it simple — that’s secret to Dollar General's success Rick Dreiling, chairman and CEO of the 75-year-old company said at its shareholders annual meeting.

"Simple neighborhood stores, simple, frequently-needed items and everyday low prices," he said. "For 75 years, [Dollar General has focused] on helping low- and middle-income families save money and save time by offering quality, basic merchandise at affordable prices in convenient, small-box neighborhood stores."

Exiting Canada may have taken a bite out of Big Lots’ profits in the first quarter, but the company still saw net and comparable-store sales increase.

Net sales for the quarter increased 1.1% to $1.28 billion, compared to net sales from continuing U.S. operations of $1.26 billion for the same period last year. Comparable-store sales for stores open at least 15 months increased 0.9% for the quarter.

Washington, D.C. — The Fairfax, Virginia, City Council has approved a rezoning application for Combined Properties’ Fairfax Circle Plaza. The project aims to redevelop the current strip retail center and replace it with a mixed-use development with up to 400 new apartments and 88,000 sq. ft. of retail including a grocery store.

The project is located at the intersection of two major routes just over a half mile from the Vienna, Virginia, Metro station.

South Plainfield, N.J. — Advance Auto Parts has signed an 11,382-sq.-ft. lease at Oak Park Commons in South Plainfield, New Jersey, bringing the center’s occupancy rate up to 95%. Charter Realty & Development co-brokered the transaction with NJ Commercial Realty.

The auto parts retailer will be joining Dollar Tree, A&P, McDonalds, CVS, Subway, GNC, Wells Fargo, Goodyear, RadioShack, and H & R Block.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores announced the promotion of Shelley Broader, currently president and CEO of Walmart Canada, to executive VP, president and CEO of Walmart EMEA, effective June 1. In her new role, she will lead Walmart's retail operations and oversee business development in Europe, the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa and Canada and will report directly to David Cheesewright, president and CEO, Walmart International.

United Stationers’ wholly owned subsidiary, United Stationers Supply Co., has completed its acquisition of CPO Commerce.

Established in 2004, CPO is a leading online tool retailer. CPO's fiscal year 2013 sales were $78 million, with a sustained track record of double-digit annual growth. The e-retailer partners with top manufacturers and sells their products through independent brand-focused online stores. CPO online stores carry a full selection of new products and an industry-leading selection of factory-reconditioned products.

Fort Worth, Texas – Trademark Property Co. has named Steven W. Toppel to the post of executive VP. Toppel will begin his new role June 3.
 
With more than 28 years of experience in commercial real estate, Toppel will oversee leasing for Trademark’s portfolio of lifestyle centers, malls, and mixed-use developments.