Supermarket/Grocery

Richmond, Va. -- Survey results released Tuesday by Affinion Loyalty Group found that 89% of consumers are interested in redeeming points at point-of-sale.

The survey also found that the respondents identified cash and retail store gift cards as their two favorite redemption items.

Austin, Texas -- Whole Foods Market announced Tuesday the hiring of Jason J. Buechel as global VP and chief information officer, effective immediately.

Buechel will report to co-CEO Walter Robb and CFO Glenda Flanagan.
 
Buechel previously was a senior executive and managing director, retail operations, for Accenture.
 

Arlington, Va. -- The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) announced that Garth Gasse has joined the association as director of retail operations, asset protection and Lisa LaBruno has been promoted to SVP retail operations.

New York -- Hiring by the nation’s retailers this past holiday season was at the highest level in six years despite the uncertain economy, Superstorm Sandy and the presidential election, according to an analysis of government job data by Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Chicago, a leading outplacement consultancy.

1. Baby & Child, Santa Monica, Calif.

A brand new concept from Restoration Hardware, Baby & Child offers a hip, modern take on upscale children's’ home furnishings. With its taupe tones and sophisticated stylings, this new format is far removed from the pastel, whimsical universe of Pottery Barn Kids and most other kids’ stores. Read More

Oak Brook, Ill. -- Inland Diversified Real Estate Trust announced Monday the acquisition of a majority interest a portfolio of six grocery/home-improvement-anchored retail properties located in Las Vegas.

The properties were acquired in a joint venture between a subsidiary of Inland Diversified and affiliates of the seller Territory Inc.; the joint venture valued the portfolio at about $296 million.

Savannah, Ga. -- Brixmor Property Group announced the recent openings of a 34,103-sq.-ft. Save-A-Lot and a 1,000-sq.-ft. Maison De Macarons at Eisenhower Square, located in Savannah, Ga.

Also, a lease has been executed for an 8,640-sq.-ft. Generation One, a hospital-based, senior-related healthy aging program.

Brixmor, based in New York City, is the owner of Eisenhower Square.

NEW YORK — The breakup of Supervalu to private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management could be announced as soon as Thursday when Supervalu shares third-quarter results with analysts, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal published Friday.

Bloomberg also reported that a deal between Cerberus and Supervalu was imminent. According to that Bloomberg report, Cerberus would lead an investment of around $500 million in equity.