Mass Merchant

Natick, Mass. -- BJ’s Wholesale Club announced that Robert W. Eddy, senior VP, director of finance, has been named executive VP and CFO, and Cornel Catuna, BJ’s senior VP field operations, has been named executive VP club operations. These management changes will be effective on Jan. 30.

Chicago -- Year-over-year retail sales increased 6.5% for the week ending Jan. 1, according to ShopperTrak’s National Retail Sales Estimate, while the company’s Retail Traffic Index (SRTI) reported foot traffic rose 4.1% for the same period.

Princeton, N.J. -- A report released Tuesday by NAI Global said that real estate conditions worldwide had stabilized and were beginning to improve.

According to NAI Global’s 25th annual Global Market Report, after a prolonged, challenging period marked by frozen credit, sidelined investors, stalled development, rising vacancy rates and declining rental rates and property values, modest improvement is expected in just about every market sector and geography in 2011.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. - Sears Holdings announced today that apparel veteran Lana Cain Krauter will join the company as SVP and president Sears apparel. She will be responsible for the oversight, leadership and growth of Sears' apparel business, both in-store and online.

New York City -- A report released Tuesday by the International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Group said that U.S. retail sales are up 3.6% on a year-over-year basis.

Same-store sales at a selection of U.S. retailers rose 0.4% from the week ended Jan. 1 from the prior week, the groups also said.

Baltimore -- Planning, architecture, graphics and design firm Development Design Group said Monday it has been awarded the position of planner and design architect for the retail centerpiece of the landmark Tianjin City Culture Center Development, soon to become the largest mall in China.

Lexington, Mass. -- QVC provided the best online experience for its mobile website and Dell provided the best experience for its desktop site, according to Gomez, the web performance division of Compuware Corp. The company completed its seasonal report card of mobile shopping and websites by announcing the Top 5 retailers with the highest performance satisfaction index scores.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Meijer last week announced its donation of 35 reconditioned semi-tractors to local food banks, academic organizations and law enforcement throughout the Midwest.

The donation is part of the chain's ongoing commitment to support the communities it serves, the company said.