Mass Merchant

Richmond, Ky. -- Charlotte, N.C.-based Crosland LLC announced two new lease signings with Michaels and Chiro One at Richmond Centre, a regional shopping, entertainment and hospitality venue in Richmond, Ky.

Michaels will open a 20,011-sq.-ft. store as a junior anchor tenant in October.

Chiro One opened a 2,127-sq.-ft. clinic in February.

San Marcos, Texas -- The Commercial Retail Division of The Weitzman Group said that Ulta has leased 14,798 sq. ft. of retail space in Red Oak Village, a power retail center located near Austin, Texas.

At Red Oak Village, Ulta joins a line-up that includes Sam’s Club, Bed Bath & Beyond, Marshalls, Best Buy, PetSmart, Ross Dress for Less and other retailers and restaurants.

Redmond, Wash. -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said it has leased restaurant space in Redmond, Wash., at Overlake Fashion Plaza to Five Guys Burgers and Fries.

Five Guys has leased 2,475 sq. ft., and is slated to open for business this summer.

The 80,555-sq.-ft. shopping center is anchored by Marshalls alongside national retailers such as Men’s Wearhouse, Payless Shoe Source, and Avenue.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Walmart announced the deployment of five rooftop solar arrays for Walmart and Sam’s Club locations in Puerto Rico. The solar program is made possible through a solar energy service agreement where Sun Edison, a subsidiary of MEMC Electronic Materials, will design, deploy, operate and maintain over three megawatts of solar technologies across the five locations with no upfront costs to Walmart.

Chicago -- Walmart has announced two additional store openings for Chicago, bringing the total number of stores it plans to open in the Windy City by 2013 to six.

The new stores will create close to 1,000 new jobs and nearly 200 construction jobs putting Walmart on the path to meeting the goals outlined in its "Chicago Community Investment Partnership."

Chicago Mayor Richard Daley said the stores will bring fresh food and groceries to some of the city's most underserved neighborhoods.

By Jeff Green

MINNEAPOLIS -- After all the flak it got for its political contributions -- even losing a deal with Lady Gaga over it -- Target this year was still recognized as one of the world's most ethical companies.

CHiCAGO --  Walmart has succeeded in bringing its smaller format store concept to Chicago, helping to make the case that the retailer can find success in more urban markets, including New York, which has thus far eluded the retailer. The company announced that it has secured locations in West Englewood for a Walmart Market and Walmart Express store.  According to the company, West Englewood is in the heart of a food desert and one of Chicago’s most underserved communities. 

Minneapolis -- Target Corp. said Wednesday it has been recognized by the Ethisphere Institute as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for 2011.

The Ethisphere Institute, an international business ethics organization, honored Target for implementing upright business practices and initiatives that are instrumental to the company’s success, benefit the community, and raise the bar for ethical standards within the industry.

This is the fifth consecutive year that Target has received the award.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Walmart announced that it is committing $5 million in cash and in-kind donations for emergency relief efforts in response to Japan's recent earthquake and resulting tsunami. Also, Walmart operations around the world are planning or have implemented fundraising drives among associates and customers to provide additional relief funds for the victims.