Mass Merchant

Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said he was reluctant to hit send on an email inviting CEOs from top global companies to attend the retailer’s Sustainable Product Expo because he knows how busy everyone is. However, when an email from the top executive from the world’s largest company offers an opportunity to “be part of what’s next,” it’s not surprising so many CEOs found time to visit Northwest Arkansas this week.
 

Phoenix — Vestar has appointed Clint Marchuk VP of acquisitions. His responsibilities include identifying, evaluating and carrying out shopping center acquisitions in Arizona, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas.

San Diego -- Best Buy is updating its home theater departments with in-store Sony shops. Beginning in May, Sony Electronics will start opening “Sony Experience at Best Buy” shops at approximately 350 Best Buy locations nationwide.

New retail space in 2013 was once again heavy on redevelopment, expansion and outlet centers

Year five and, once again, too few square feet in ground-up shopping center construction to rank the “Fastest-Growing Developers” as has been the Chain Store Age tradition for the 20 years prior.

Today, developers seem fated to redevelop and expand existing centers, develop 300,000-sq.-ft. to 600,000-sq.-ft. outlet centers and perhaps add an occasional grocery-anchored infill center.

Kansas City, Kansas — Legends Outlets Kansas City — in Kansas City, Kansas — has announced the addition of three new tenants: Woody’s Automotive, Nail Envy and Bath & Body Works. Each plans to open in this spring.

Woody’s Automotive, a used car concept, will open on May 8 in a 507-sq.-ft. space next to Panera Bread.

Nail Envy, plans to open May 14 in the adjoining shopping center across from Yard House. The salon and spa will occupy a 3,000-sq.-ft. space next to Payless ShoeSource.

Framingham, Mass. -- T.J.Maxx partnered with developmental and fashion psychologist Prof. Karen Pine to conduct a live fashion experiment that shows how women use fashion to make themselves feel proud, empowered and happy.

Last year, T.J.Maxx conducted a study that found that women aren't fashion victims but rather use fashion as a tool to express their personalities (77%) and individuality (74%).

Canada no longer top priority for U.S. retail expansion

During the past few years, U.S. and international retailers have flocked to Canada in the hunt for top-line growth as store portfolios matured in the United States and there were fewer opportunities for expansion. In fact, many U.S. retailers considered Canada to be an extension of their domestic businesses due to the similarities and close proximity to their home offices.

Ten years ago, demographic experts predicted a looming talent shortage: When the massive baby boom generation retired, the small Generation X would not have enough experienced leaders and managers to fill the positions that boomers would vacate.