Retail

Washington, D.C. -- Applied Predictive Technologies said Monday that AutoZone has extended its relationship with APT to license APT’s Test & Learn Management System on a long-term basis.

AutoZone will continue implementing the Test & Learn Management System to assess strategic marketing, capital expenditure, merchandising, labor, and store operations initiatives.

Austin, Texas -- Survey results by coupon site RetailMeNot revealed Monday that the vast majority of consumers believe that saving money is important.

According to the Shoppers Trend Report, conducted by The Omnibus Co. for RetailMeNot, 93% of consumers say they believe that saving money in their everyday lives is important. The survey also found that 61% are saving about the same or more money per month than they were five years ago.

Lodi, N.J. -- Charter Realty & Development said that Blink Fitness will open a 20,000-sq.-ft. facility in Lodi, N.J.

The fitness facility operator has grown to 13 locations in the New York Tri-State area, with another approximately 15 openings scheduled over the next 12 months.

Prince Frederick, Md. -- Brixmor Property Group announced that Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft will open a 12,020-sq.-ft. store at Fox Run, located in Prince Frederick, Md.

Brixmor, based in New York City, is the owner of Fox Run.

Indianapolis -- Simon Property Group announced that it has named Liz Zale as senior VP in a newly created role overseeing corporate affairs and communications, effective May 1.  

Zale's responsibilities will include supervision of Simon’s investor relations, public relations, corporate communications, and government relations functions.
 
She previously served as senior VP investor relations for Nielsen Holdings.

New York -- Multibillion dollar transactions drove U.S. retail and consumer deals during the first quarter of 2013, according to PwC US.

For the three month period ending March 31, 2013, there were a total of 27 deals in the retail and consumer sector with disclosed values greater than $50 million, accounting for $39.8 billion in deal value. Deal volume increased 59% from the 17 deals during the first quarter 2012, while deal value rose 590% from $5.8 billion in first quarter 2012.  

Melville, N.Y. -- A&G Realty Partners announced Monday that former executive VP of real estate for Charming Shoppes, Jonathon Graub, has joined the firm as principal.

Graub will leverage his background to advise clients on strategic growth opportunities and to assist with their real estate operations.
 

Phoenix -- Leslie’s Poolmart, parent to Leslie’s Swimming Pool Supplies, said Monday that it will grand-open two stores on May 3, putting the retailer on track toward opening its previously announced 48 new stores between March and May 2013.

The May 3 grand openings are in Springfield, Pa., and in Oceanside, Calif.