Mass Merchant

The pricing gap between Target and Walmart narrowed last month to a scant 1.7% as Walmart took prices up slightly during August while Target did the opposite, according to a monthly survey by the retail research team at Credit Suisse.

Phoenix -- Cole Real Estate Investments announced the formation of a joint venture with RED Development to focus on future acquisition opportunities, recapitalizations and note purchases in the retail real estate sector. 

An opening salvo has been fired in the Black Friday battle and this one emanated from South Florida where the massive Sawgrass Mills outlet mall announced it will stay open around the clock beginning at 10 p.m. on Thanskgiving day. The mall is home to a Super Target and about 350 other stores.

Thousand Oaks, Calif. -- Shoe repair store Shoe Lab has opened at Janss Marketplace, in Thousand Oaks, Calif., joining tenants such as Burlington Coat Factory, Marshalls, Buca di Beppo, Qdoba Mexican Grill, Panera Bread, Gold’s Gym, Old Navy, Mann Theaters, and TGI Friday’s. 

Janss Marketplace is managed by NewMark Merrill Cos., LLC.

New York City -- Centro Properties Group US announced it has officially changed its name to Brixmor Property Group, Inc., effective immediately. 

The name change follows the acquisition of the company in June by an affiliate of Blackstone Real Estate Partners VI L.P. 

Brixmor is the second largest owner of community and neighborhood shopping centers in the United States with 585 properties aggregating approximately 92 million sq. ft.

Dublin, Calif. - Ross Dress for Less will open four new locations in the greater Chicago area on March 8, 2014. These openings bring the total number of Chicago area stores to 35 for the retailer.  

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Supervalu announced that it has committed $1 million to sponsor 1,542 youth sports teams in markets where its Acme, Albertsons, Cub Foods, Farm Fresh, Jewel-Osco and Shaws/Star Market stores operate. 

Wayne, N.J. --Toys "R" Us Inc. will expand its layaway program and incorporate flexible payment options in order to spur holiday sales.

The chain’s layaway program, offered at its Toys "R" Us and Babies "R" Us stores nationwide, in conjunction with a limited-time Bill Me Later service, will enable customers to make a series of smaller payments over time.