Mass Merchant

A whole lot of uncertainty now hangs over Target’s April same-store sales expectations, as Walmart this week began a major advertising offensive to regain customers and restore sales at its U.S. division.

Target had forecast a mid-single decline in its March same-store sales, so the 5.5% decline it reported last week was no surprise. The late arrival of Easter is messing with retailers’ sales comparisons, so even though March was a down month for Target, it could have been worse as the comparison with the prior year was a lofty 10.3%. Therefore, last month’s 5.5% decline is a victory of sorts, and March results for retailers overall were better than expected.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Sears on Monday announced the expansion of beauty to more than 100 Sears locations and Sears.com.

The new cosmetics departments will include beauty products from such well-known brands as L'Oreal, Maybelline, Revlon and CoverGirl, in a range of hues for every woman. Additionally, beauty advisers staffing the departments will offer makeup tips and advice to customers who desire assistance in perfecting their look.

North Haven County, Conn. -- Purchase, N.Y.-based National Realty & Development Corp. announced that Famous Footwear opened at North Haven Pavilion, located in North Haven, Conn., on March 9.

Target, Sports Authority and Michaels anchor the 274,000-sq.-ft. center.
 

Tarrytown, N.Y. -- DLC Management Corp. announced that it has named two new members to its leasing team.

Fred Battisti, Jr. joined the company on Feb. 21 as a leasing representative in DLC’s Tarrytown, N.Y., headquarters. He is responsible for leasing several properties in the Midwest and Northeast regions, primarily focused on the Ohio area at this time.

Prior to joining DLC, Battisti was with The Cafaro Co. as a Commercial Leasing Representative.

Frisco, Texas -- The Commercial Retail Division of The Weitzman Group announced that Costco Wholesale Corp. will open a 148,000-sq.-ft. anchor store at Frisco Trails Shopping Center, located in Frisco, Texas.

Frisco Trails Shopping Center is being developed by Cencor Realty Services. The center currently features a Home Depot shadow anchor, and includes space for an additional anchor, as well as six available pad sites for freestanding retail and restaurant uses. Costco will also develop a fuel center on a pad site at Frisco Trails.

Lisbon, Conn. -- WS Development announced that Dick's Sporting Goods has signed on at Lisbon Landing, located in Lisbon, Conn. Dick's will occupy an approximately 40,000-sq.-ft. space, which will be located next to O'neil Cinemas' Lisbon Landing Cinema 12.

At 560,000 sq. ft., Lisbon Landing is anchored by The Home Depot, Kohl's and Walmart Supercenter.

Boston -- O'Connor/Real Vest Retail Holding Co., LLC, a partnership formed by O'Connor Capital Partners and Wafra Investment Advisory Group, have teamed with The Wilder Cos. to complete transactions that include the purchase of Milford Marketplace in Milford, Conn., and the acquisition of the ownership interest in Phase I of Settlers Ridge in Pittsburgh.

The centers were developed and managed by Chattanooga, Tenn.-based CBL Properties.
 

Foxborough, Mass. -- Houston-based women’s fashion accessories retailer Charming Charlie said it has opened its first Massachusetts location at Patriot Place in Foxborough, Mass.

The 9,000-sq.-ft. store, located in Patriot Place’s North Marketplace, is Charming Charlie’s entrée into the Northeast.

Southlake, Texas -- Flat Out Crazy Restaurant Group said it has leased 6,012 sq. ft. of space in Shops of Southlake, a specialty shopping center located in Southlake, Texas, for its Stir Crazy Fresh Asian Grill concept. 

This will be the second location to open in Texas. 

The Commercial Retail Division of The Weitzman Group handled negotiations as exclusive retail leasing agents for Shops of Southlake.