Supply Chain & Merchandising

Seattle -- Nordstrom plans to open a Nordstrom Rack at the Village at Dublin in Dublin, Calif. The approximately 35,000-sq.-ft. store is scheduled to open in fall 2015. The center is being developed by Regency Centers Corp.

Johnson & Johnson saw its growth initiatives pay off in the third quarter and increased its earnings guidance for 2013.

The company had sales of $17.6 billion for the quarter, an increase of 3.1% as compared to the third quarter of 2012. Operational results increased 4.7% and the negative impact of currency was 1.6%. Domestic sales increased 1.7%. International sales increased 4.2%, reflecting operational growth of 7.1% and a negative currency impact of 2.9%.

According to an internal memo from Family Dollar president and COO Mike Bloom, Jason Reiser has been elevated to the role of SVP/lead merchandising officer at the company.

North Plainfield, N.J. — Retail leasing activity remained strong through the spring and summer months of 2013, according to Levin Management, which reports more than 295,000 sq. ft. of renewals and transactions from Easter through Labor Day. The company’s portfolio includes 90 properties totaling 12.5 million sq. ft. of space in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and North Carolina.

The Internet and mobile have transformed consumer shopping behaviors, but the in-store shopping still remains important to many consumers, especially when buying cosmetics, apparel, grocery and office supplies, according to a new study from global management consulting firm A.T. Kearney. It is important, however, that retailers strategically assess and recast the role of stores.

Atlanta - The Home Depot has selected National Tenant Network to assist property owners, managers and investors on its new Pro Xtra site. Home Depot's Pro Xtra will enhance existing Pro Desk programs, as well as add new benefits for members.

The opening of two new Stein Mart stores in New Jersey and California this month will round out the discount department store operator's 2013 capital expansion program and give it a year-end total of 264 units.

The opening follows four new stores last month in El Paso, Texas; Buford, Ga.; Elk Grove, Calif.; and Colorado Springs, Co., as well as a September comparable-store sales increase of 5% and a total net sales increase of 7.3% for the month.

New York -- Management consulting firm Kurt Salmon appointed Deanna Emsley as a partner in the firm’s retail and consumer products Group.

Prior to joining Kurt Salmon, Emsley was senior VP of inventory management and corporate strategy for women's clothing and accessories retailer Coldwater Creek, where she was responsible for sales, margin and inventory plans for all channels.