Retail

Atlanta -- Aaron's, a lease-to-own, announced the recent opening of a combined 32 new company-operated and franchised stores in 17 different states and two Canadian provinces.

The announcement follows a strong growth year for the company in 2012, which included the opening of its 2,000th store in the Bronx in September.

Philadelphia -- PCSTrac, in partnership with Urban Outfitters, has launched the next generation of StoreTrac software,a web-based inventory control and management application for retail store operations.

The enhanced application delivers a store-level snapshot of shipments by volume and category type, as well as key details such as SKU, style, item quantity, item description, and shipment history on forthcoming shipments.

Pittsburgh -- Dick’s Sporting Goods will debut its Field & Stream concept this fall, opening the first store in Cranberry Township, Pa.

Named for the iconic brand that for more than 140 years has been synonymous with outdoor experiences, the Field & Stream store will carry outdoor equipment, accessories and services in hunting, fishing, archery, camping and more, and provide an array of related in-store services.

Minneapolis -- Target Corp. said it has completed the sale of its entire consumer credit card portfolio to TD Bank Group for $5.7 billion, the gross value of the outstanding receivables at the time of closing.
 

Philadelphia -- Metro Commercial announced that Allen Edmonds has opened a flagship shoe store in Philadelphia, located at the corner of 18th & Chestnut Streets.

The 1,900-sq.-ft. store opened in February.

Metro Commercial negotiated the lease on behalf of the landlord Midwood Investment & Development.    

Costco Wholesale Corp.’s winning streak continues as the chain reported a better-than-expected 39% increase in profits for its fiscal second quarter. Here is Planet Retail’s take on the company’s most recent performance and future prospects:
 

Boca Raton, Fla. -- Office Depot has been recognized with a Climate Leadership Goal Achievement Award for Excellence in Greenhouse Gas Management by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Center for Corporate Climate Leadership, the Association of Climate Change Officers the Center for Climate & Energy Solutions, and The Climate Registry.

New York -- The Fresh Market announced the resignation of Randy Kelley as SVP real estate and development. Kelley, who is leaving the grocer, to pursue a new business opportunity, will remain with the company through early spring.