Mass Merchant

New York -- The SPECS conference, presented each year by Chain Store Age, will debut a real estate track as part of the 49th annual event. Held in Dallas from March 17 to March 20 at the Hilton Anatole, SPECS will feature real estate workshops designed toward educating and informing the retail development executives who attend the SPECS conference.

SEATTLE — Sears' online marketplace will be the subject of a webinar on Feb. 26 hosted by Mercent, a technology company that enables retailers to profitably reach and convert more shoppers online.

Titled "Selling on Sears.com - Your Access to more than 15 Million Loyal Shoppers," the webinar will discuss Sears.com's role as the third largest online marketplace and how its expanding its reach and visibility against Amazon.com, eBay and Google.

Atlanta -- Cincinnati-based Phillips Edison–ARC Shopping Center REIT has announced the acquisition of Macland Pointe, a 79,699-sq.-ft. shopping center anchored by a Publix grocery store and located in the Greater Atlanta, Georgia Metro Area.  

The acquisition of Macland Pointe brings the company's total portfolio to 34 properties anchored by 13 grocers in 15 states.

Macland Pointe is 92.8% occupied and anchored by a 55,999-sq.-ft. Publix.

Car Charging Group, an electric vehicle charging company, has named William Fields, former president and CEO of Wal-Mart Stores to its board of directors.  

During his 25-year career with Wal-Mart, Fields was responsible for over 2,000 stores and 600,000 employees, and directed strategic planning in operations, merchandising, marketing, and logistics.

Cherry Hill, N.J. -- Conshohocken, Pa.-based Fameco Real Estate announced that Red Robin has signed a lease at the Plaza at Cherry Hill, Cherry Hill, N.J.

The 6,000-sq.-ft. restaurant will join anchors LA Fitness, Raymour & Flanigan, Guitar Center, Sam Ash and Bottom Dollar at the 450,000-sq.-ft. power center.

One of the largest dividend increases in Walmart’s history helped shareholders look past, temporarily at least, yesterday’s release of sales results that show a disturbing trend at U.S. stores.

Watchung, N.J. -- North Plainfield, N.J.-based Levin Management Corp. said that The Children’s Place will join the tenant roster at Blue Star Shopping Center in Watchung, N.J., this spring.

Levin is the property’s managing and leasing agent.

Children’s Place leased 4,307 sq. ft. at the 419,000-sq.-ft. property, and will join other children’s retailers Toys “R” Us, Becker’s School Supplies and GameStop at the center, as well as Kohl's, ShopRite, Michaels and Marshalls, among others.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Alexa Latimer Dillard, wife of Dillard's founder, the late William Dillard, has passed away.

Born in Nashville, Arkansas on Oct. 30, 1916, Alexa Latimer married William T. Dillard on June 9, 1940. Dillard was known for her quick wit and eye for great merchandise, but more importantly for her unmatched devotion to her family, according to the company.