Mass Merchant

Chicago -- General Growth Properties announced Wednesday it is implementing its EcoStance of environmental responsibility to the malls’ kiosks, located throughout all the shopping centers’ common areas.

Over the last few months, GGP converted over 50,000 incandescent lights to energy-efficient LED lights in over 135 malls. The new LED lamps produce brighter light levels, last longer, lower carbon emissions, and reduce energy consumption by at least 85%, according to the mall owner.

Menomonee Falls, Wis. - Kohl's Corp. announced Tuesday that it is promoting four of its executives as part of an ongoing succession planning process.

Don Brennan has been promoted from senior EVP to chief merchandising officer. John Worthington was promoted from senior executive VP to chief administrative officer. Peggy Eskenasi was promoted from executive VP of product development to senior EVP. And Wes McDonald was promoted from EVP and CFO to senior executive VP and CFO.

All the promotions are effective Dec. 1.

New York - BCBGMAXAZRIAGROUP, the $1 billion global fashion brand, has launched a new, fast-fashion store concept, Lola, targeted at young women (ages 16 to 26).  The 3,000-sq.-ft. store, has a cool, hip vibe and is designed as an urban studio apartment, complete with fireplace, daybed, spiral staircase,  and closet. Salvaged doors give the storefront a Lower East Side feel.

Atlanta - A report released Monday by payment solution provider First Data Corp. found that on Black Friday, card spending growth returned to pre-recession levels.

According to the First Data SpendTrend analysis for Black Friday 2010, which tracks same-store consumer spending via credit, signature debit, PIN debit and EBT cards at U.S. merchant locations, year-over-year same-store dollar volume grew 12.3%.

Transaction growth was 10.1%.

Tokyo - A report released Tuesday said that Japanese prosecutors will launch an investigation into possible insider trading involving shares of Wal-Mart's Japanese subsidiary Seiyu.

According to Reuters, which cited the Nikkei business daily website, the trading is suspected to have occurred when Wal-Mart turned Seiyu into a fully owned unit in 2007.

In early November, Japan's Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission began an investigation into possible insider trading. Wal-Mart has said it would cooperate with authorities.

New York City - According to the Brand Keys Holiday Survey, released Tuesday, Amazon topped the marketing research consultancy’s list of the top 10 retailers based on customer visits.

Walmart and Apple tied for second, followed by Target, Zappos, Best Buy and Dell, Kohls, Overstock and QVC, Lands End and L.L. Bean, J.C. Penney, and Macy’s.

Bentonville, Ark. - Wal-Mart Stores announced Monday that it is buying a controlling stake in South Africa's Massmart in an approximately $2 billion deal. The investment gives the discounter a substantial presence in South Africa and paves the way for further expansion across the continent.  Wal-Mart International president and CEO Doug McMillon made clear his company is pursuing a regional strategy.