Sales & Marketing

Charleston, S.C. -- Colonial Candle said it is opening its first retail and research boutique in Charleston, S.C. The 3,000-sq.-ft. flagship store is the 103-year-old candle company's first and only boutique.

Located in The Shops at Charleston Place, the Colonial Candle boutique joins Godiva, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Lacoste at the center.
 
The new store is slated to open in early fall 2012.

PHOENIX — Multi-platinum rock star Bret Michaels has partnered with PetSmart to launch a line of pet products. Available exclusively at PetSmart stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico and online at www.PetSmart.com, the collection includes toys, beds, apparel, collars, leashes, and bowls.

Deptford, N.J. -- Dallas-based SRS Real Estate Partners said that four new leases have been executed for space at Deptford Landing, located in Deptford, N.J.

DSW Shoe Warehouse has leased 20,014 sq. ft.; Panera Bread has leased 4,900 sq. ft.; Chipotle has leased 2,141 sq. ft.; and Hand and Stone Massage & Facial Spa leased 2,400 sq. ft.
 

Harrisburg, Pa. -- The Pennsylvania AFL-CIO said Tuesday that workers, union leaders and shareholders will attend Rite Aid's annual shareholder meeting in Harrisburg, Pa., on June 21.

The group will hold a "Summit Meeting," attended by groups from California, Florida, Ohio, New Jersey, New York and West Virginia, and followed by a media briefing.

Rite Aid workers have attended four previous shareholder meetings. 
 

Dallas -- Alliance Data Systems has agreed to acquire The Bon-Ton Stores’ private-label credit card portfolio worth $475 million.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Alliance Data, which provides private-label credit card services to retailers, will also manage the retailer's private-label credit card program.

Bon-Ton Stores, Inc., operates 272 stores in 23 states across the Northeast, Midwest, and upper Great Plains, under a variety of banners.
 

Hanover, Md. -- Simon Property Group said that Maryland Live! Casino has opened at its Arundel Mills outlet, value retail, dining and entertainment destination in Hanover, Md.

The new $500 million gaming and entertainment destination was developed by Baltimore-based real estate developers and casino operators, The Cordish Cos.

New York -- School is just ending in some areas of the Northeast, and already the first back-to-school shopping survey has been released. The survey, by online shopping site PriceGrabber, reveals that nearly half (46%) of consumers are planning to spend more this back-to-school shopping season than in 2011. In comparison, only 13% of shoppers planned to spend more last year, and this data was reflected in an overall disappointing back-to-school season for retailers in 2011.

New York -- Saks Fifth Avenue has launched a talent acquisition page on Facebook. The new “Careers at Saks” Facebook page will allow prospective job applicants to interact directly with Saks Fifth Avenue’s talent acquisition team, search available positions and keep up with Saks Fifth Avenue. The Facebook newsfeed will include “Jobs of the Day,” career and interview tips, and other pertinent updates weekly.