Mass Merchant

BENTONVILLE, Ark. and HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- Walmart and Sears Holdings have both announced their commitment to helping military members maintain employment when moving from one community to another.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. -- Kohl’s Department Stores announced that the company will be recognized as a 2011 Energy Star Partner of the Year for the second consecutive year at the Energy Star Awards ceremony held in Washington, D.C. The Partner of the Year Award is presented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill.  -- Sears is looking to position itself as a beauty leader, by announcing Monday the installment of new cosmetics departments at more than 100 locations and Sears.com.

According to the company, these refreshed beauty departments will feature products from such brands as L'Oreal, Maybelline, Revlon, CoverGirl, Sally Hansen, Essie and Nicole by OPI. Additionally, beauty advisers staffing the departments will offer makeup tips and advice to customers who desire assistance in perfecting their look, Sears reported.

Seattle -- Nordstrom opened the doors to its new store in Newark, Del., on Friday.

The 123,000-sq.-ft. store, at Christiana Mall, is the first Nordstrom store in Delaware and will offer a well-edited selection of quality, luxury and designer fashion brands for women, men and children.

"We're thrilled to be opening a store at the Christiana Mall," said Terisha Johnson, store manager. "We look forward to serving the community and providing exceptional shopping experiences for our customers."

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.
 

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.

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.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- With pricing studies, such as this one, revealing little difference between Walmart and Target, Walmart is looking to distinguish itself from the competition. The retailer announced that it is reinvigorating its price leadership promise, bringing back products its customers have asked for and simplifying its ad match policy.