Mass Merchant

Columbus, Ohio -- Glimcher Realty Trust has announced plains to purchase its remaining interest in WestShore Plaza in Tampa, Fla. and to sell its interest in Lloyd Center in Portland, Ore. Glimcher holds a 40% interest in a joint venture with Blackstone Real Estate Partners VI that owns both properties.

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — The TJX Companies' shareholders elected Dawn Lepore to its board of directors at the company’s annual meeting. Lepore joins 10 ongoing directors who were re-elected at the meeting.

Purchase, N.Y. -- Old Colony Square Center in Jersey City, N.J., will look like new by the end of the year. Owner National Realty & Development Corp. will begin renovations to the Pathmark-anchored center this summer.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores  held its annual shareholders meeting on Friday morning and the most noteworthy development at the event — aside from a $15 billion share repurchase authorization — was a surprise appearance and glowing comments by Hollywood heavyweight Tom Cruise.

New York – Initial Bloomberg estimates indicate US retail sales edged up 0.4% last month, with growth in the job market spurring increased consumer willingness to spend money. The projected increase is the largest in three months and follows smaller increases of 0.1% in April.

New York -- Amazon.com confirmed it is testing its online grocery delivery service in Los Angeles.

The online retail giant has been testing the service called Amazonfresh, in Seattle for several years. It confirmed Monday that it is now offering the service in Los Angeles, also on a trial basis. Reuters recently reported that the online retail giant will next target the San Francisco area.

Matthews, N.C. -- Family Dollar Stores names Brad Rogers as senior VP real estate. He replaces Keith Gehl, who retires from the company at the end of June.
   
Rogers joined Family Dollar in 1998 as a real estate manager with responsibility for new store development in North and South Carolina. Between 2006 and 2011, Rogers assumed greater roles with increased responsibilities, and in 2011, he was named VP real estate.

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Family Dollar has named Brad Rogers as the company's SVP of real estate. Rogers replaces Keith Gehl, who announced his retirement from the company at the end of June. Rogers will report to chairman and CEO Howard R. Levine.