Retail Execution

PLANO, Texas — Former Procter & Gamble executive Joe Crafton has been named CEO of Crossmark, a leader in sales and marketing services in the consumer goods industry. Crafton, who served as president of Crossmark until his promotion, succeeds John Thompson, who has been CEO since 2010.

Conyers, Ga. -- Brixmor Property Group announced a 24,920-sq.-ft. lease was executed with Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts at Conyers Plaza, located in Conyers, Ga.

Brixmor, based in New York City, is the owner of Conyers Plaza.

AURORA, Ill. – Peerless-AV, a leading supplier of brackets to mount flat-panel televisions and audio-visual accessories, has appointed Hal Truax as managing director of retail sales.

Truax, a 30-year veteran in the audiovisual industry, will be charged with expanding the company's on-the-shelf presence in the U.S., building on the success of retail placements in global markets.

Norwalk, Conn. -- WhenToManage announced that its suite of retail operations solutions, including point-of-sale intelligence, labor scheduling and inventory management tools, is now being deployed by Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, an international franchiser, confectionery manufacturer and retail operator.

NEWTON, Mass. — Former Reebok and New Balance executive Chris Cohen has been named VP of sales at Topo Athletic.

Founded in December 2012, Topo is a brand focused on designing innovative athletic gear that amplifies the natural mechanics of the human body. In his new role, Cohen will lead North American sales and sales operations for Topo.

Atlanta -- Jones Lang LaSalle announced Monday that it has promoted Kristin Mueller to COO.

The firm also announced the establishment of new leadership roles, including the promotion of John Bemis and Geno Coradini to Retail Market Lead in Atlanta/Southeast and Dallas/Southwest, respectively.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said Friday it has created a new executive position to oversee new store formats in international markets.
 
Lev Khasis, who joined the company in 2011 after working in Russian retail, was named president and CEO of new formats for Wal-Mart International. He built up Russia’s largest food retailer X5 through acquisitions into a market leader before resigning to join Wal-Mart Stores.
 

Beachwood, Ohio -- DDR Corp. on Thursday announced the acquisition of two prime power centers for $151 million during the fourth quarter.

DDR purchased Carolina Pavilion, located in Charlotte, N.C., from Blackstone Real Estate Partners for $106 million. The 94% leased, 852,000-sq.-ft. center is anchored by Target, Kohl's, Nordstrom Rack, Ross Dress for Less, Buybuy Baby, Bed Bath & Beyond, Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores and AMC Theatres.