Mass Merchant

Conventional wisdom seems to be that Target will be as successful in Canada as it has been in the United States, following last week’s bombshell announcement that the company would enter the market via an acquisition. Target said it would acquire leasehold interests in 220 Zellers stores from the Hudson’s Bay Company, and during 2013 and 2014 it would open between 100 and 150 of the locations as Target stores.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart's philanthropic arm announced a $2 million donation to help food banks save money on energy bills.

This funding, the Walmart Foundation said, will help 16 food banks "go green," by becoming more energy efficient through lighting, refrigeration or heating and air conditioning equipment upgrades.

This initiative is a part of Walmart's commitment to fighting hunger. In May, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation announced a $2 billion cash and in-kind commitment through the end of 2015, including:

BOCA RATON, Fla. -- Office Depot announced that will once again provide customers with free copies, up to 25 single-sided pages, of 2010 tax returns.

Through April 15, 2011, customers will be able to participate in this special offer by visiting the Copy and Print Depot in any one of the more than 1,100 Office Depot retail store locations nationwide.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Target announced that Tony Fisher has been named president of Target Canada.  In this position, Fisher will be responsible for building the team, establishing the headquarters and leading the day-to-day operations of the corporation's recently announced expansion into Canada, the company reported.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores on Tuesday denied reports by a Santiago, Chile, newspaper that it would consider opening banks in Chile and Argentina.

The reports are “completely untrue,” Wal-Mart spokesman Kevin Gardner told Bloomberg in an e-mailed response to questions.

Sarasota, Fla. -- The Retail Industry Leaders Association said Tuesday that Bill Simon, president and CEO of Walmart Stores, along with Steven Preston, president and CEO of OakLeaf Waste management, have joined the RILA board of directors.

Simon replaces Walmart vice chairman and president and CEO of global e-commerce and global sourcing Eduardo Castro-Wright on the board.

The RILA board meets twice a year to discuss the issues facing retailers and to offer insight into the opportunities and challenges confronting the industry.

Chicago -- Urban Retail Properties LLC said Tuesday it has appointed Samuel J. Greenblatt as principal, finance/capital markets. Greenblatt’s primary role will be to raise capital and foster financial relationship opportunities for the company.

Prior to his role with Urban, Greenblatt was executive VP and director of originations of RAIT Financial Trust, a NYSE traded mortgage real estate investment trust.

Columbia, S.C. -- Edens & Avant said Tuesday it has promoted Jami Passer to managing director. Prior to joining Edens & Avant in 2006, Passer was a partner and consultant with P3 Partners, a South Florida real estate advisory firm as well as being a managing director in the Real Estate Capital Markets Group of Andersen Corporate Finance LLC.

Conshohocken, Pa. -- Metro Commercial Real Estate said Monday that Roy Perez-Daple has joined the company, where he will expand the firm’s national retailer advisory services as well as pursue strategic landlord opportunities.

Somerdale, N.J. -- Purchase, N.Y.-based National Realty & Development Corp. said that GameStop, Great Clips and Go Wireless have opened at the newly renovated CooperTowne Center.

Reopened in October 2010, CooperTowne Center is a 385,000-sq.-ft. Greyfields Redevelopment that revitalized the former Lions Head Plaza in Somerdale, N.J. The shopping center is anchored by Walmart Supercenter, a Cinemark 16-screen theater, and a LA Fitness.