Mass Merchant

Former Walmart senior vice chairman Don Soderquist is the featured speaker at a Doing Business in Bentonville speakers series breakfast presentation scheduled for May 16. Plenty of folks in Northwest Arkansas have heard Soderquist speak before, however his upcoming remarks will take place amid swirling accusations of corruption that event organizers and few others in Bentonville could have envisioned months ago when his participation was confirmed.

Delray Beach, Fla. -- Indianapolis-based Kite Realty Group said Thursday that Republic of Couture will open an 8,000-sq.-ft. store at Delray Marketplace, located in Delray Beach, Fla. The new store is slated to open in November.

Delray Marketplace is a 270,000-sq.-ft. center anchored by Franks Theatres, Max’s Grille and Publix.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target is partnering with Norah Jones for a deluxe edition of her fifth studio album, “Little Broken Hearts.” The Target deluxe edition of “Little Broken Hearts” is available now for pre-order at Target.com/NorahJones and will be offered at Target stores nationwide beginning May 1.

Fredericksburg, Va. -- Youngstown, Ohio-based Cafaro Co. announced that Parmida Home will open a new store at The Village at Towne Centre, near Fredericksburg, Va.

The 6,900-sq.-ft. store is slated to open in early November across from Sephora.

The Village at Towne Centre is the outdoor shopping district of Spotsylvania Towne Centre, a 1.7 million-sq.-ft. complex offering more than 120 department stores, specialty shops, restaurants, hotels and entertainment venues.
 

First quarter sales at the leading online retailer surged 34% to $13.2 billion during the first quarter ended March 31, as the company continues to enjoy a huge competitive advantage by allowing customers to avoid paying sales tax.

Despite surging sales, net income at the company declined 35% to $130 million or 28 cents a share, compared with $201 million or 44 cents a share the prior years. Operating income also declined considerably, dropping to $192 million in the first quarter compared with $322 million in first quarter 2011.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Walmart said Thursday it has launched a “Pay with Cash” service that offers cash payment options for online orders at Walmart.com in the United States.

Walmart is the first major retailer to offer online purchases without the need for banking services or a credit, debit or prepaid card.

With all sorts of media outlets riding the coattails of the New York Times investigative reporting on Walmart’s alleged bribery of Mexican officials and subsequent cover up, Forbes asked the logical question of whether paying money to government officials to get things done in Mexico is even illegal under the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Read more.



 

Malibu, Calif. -- Southern California lifestyle center Malibu Country Mart welcomed Kolletti Bambini, a boutique specializing in designer clothing and accessories for children and infants.

The 630-sq.-ft. boutique opened on April 20.
 
Malibu County Mart features 90,000 sq. ft. of high-end retail, dining and services housed in an eclectic mix of architectural styles including Mediterranean, modern and rustic influences.