Retail

Stater Bros. has named Michael Reed as the company’s senior director of real estate.

"We have great confidence that Michael will do an outstanding job of leading our real estate division," said chairman and CEO Jack H. Brown. "His management and real estate expertise will help Stater Bros. meet our present and future real estate needs."

Chicago -- Retail CFOs are feeling more confident about the state of the consumer, forecast a 5.1% increase in total sales and a 4.8% increase in same-store sales this year, according to a new BDO USA survey. The finding marks a significant increase from the number expressing similar sentiments last year.

In the study,  a majority (63%) of CFOs indicate that they include online sales in their comparable sales projections, suggesting that some of this expected growth and optimism may be linked to the exploding popularity of e-commerce.

New York – Aeropostale Inc. is reportedly considering trying to raise private equity capital. According to Reuters, four anonymous sources said Aeropostale is working with the investment bank Barclays plc to consider options including private equity capital as well as a sale of the company.

Continued positive sales momentum in its business and an increase in foot traffic increase at its stores fueled 99 Cents Only Stores’ third-quarter results.

The company's net sales increased 11% to $487.9 million from $439.5 million for the prior-year quarter. Same-store sales increased 3%.  

New York — Crunch Fitness has opened a 20,000-sq.-ft. location at the Moreno Valley Mall in Moreno Valley, Calif. Crunch Fitness’s neighbors include Harkins Theatres, Round 1, Victoria’s Secret, Zales, Aeropostale, Express, Footlocker, Forever 21, Hollister, The Children’s Place and New York & Co.

Macy’s, J.C. Penney and Sears anchor the center.

Beijing – Chinese e-commerce retailer Alibaba is reportedly planning to open a U.S. e-commerce website through its subsidiaries Vendio and Auctiva. According to Reuters, the site will operate at 11main.com.

Hhgregg EVP and chief operating officer Gregg W. Throgmartin has resigned his position and spot on the company’s board of directors, effective March 31. Throgmartin is leaving to pursue outside interests and manage family businesses, the company said.

Indianapolis – Gregg W. Throggmartin, COO of Hhgregg Inc., has resigned as the executive VP and COO of the company and as a member of the board, effective March 31, 2014. Throgmartin is leaving Hhgregg to pursue outside interests and manage family businesses.

Hhgregg will commence a search for a new COO. In the interim, other operations officers of the company will fulfill the responsibilities of Throgmartin.