Supply Chain & Merchandising

Elkridge, Md. -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said that it has leased retail space in Elkridge, Md., at Elkridge Corners shopping center to Green Valley Markets. 

A Baltimore-based grocery wholesaler/retailer founded in 1915, B. Green & Company is opening its third retail location and its first new full-service neighborhood supermarket concept Green Valley Markets in a 39,571-sq.-ft. space. Interior and exterior store improvements will begin this month. The store opening date is still to be finalized.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target's entry into Canada is nearing completion, as the company Friday finalized its real estate transaction with Zellers Inc. with the selection of 84 additional Zellers leases, bringing the total number of leases selected, including an initial group of 105 leases selected in May, to 189. From this second group, Target has acquired the leasehold interests for 29 locations, the vast majority of which will open as Target stores beginning in 2013. The remaining leases have been or will be sold to other Canadian retailers or back to landlords.

Minneapolis -- Target Corp. said Friday that it has finalized its real estate transaction with Canadian retailer Zellers with the selection of 84 additional Zellers leases. Target Canada will open between 125 and 135 stores, most by 2013. The discounter also entered into a deal with Sobey’s, Canada’s second largest supermarket chain, to supply its stores with food.

Chicago -- Amid economic uncertainty and low consumer confidence levels, retail CFOs are expecting a 3% increase in total 2011 sales, according to a recent survey by BDO USA, LLP. While the number reflects the study’s most optimistic sales forecast since 2007, it is down from the 4.7% sales increase reported by the Commerce Department in 2010.

New York City -- Express said Thursday that it has opened its first Canadian location, a 10,000-sq.-ft. store at Fairview Mall in Toronto.

The retailer said it plans to open a total six stores in Canada by the end of 2011, and an additional 50 stores across the country over the next five years.

In November, Express will have three locations opening in Calgary at Southcentre, Chinook Centre and Market Mall as well as an additional store in Toronto at Square One.

Wayne, N.J. -- Toys “R” Us said Thursday that it will hire more than 40,000 employees to staff its U.S. stores and distribution centers this holiday season. In addition, employment opportunities will be available at the company’s 10 distribution centers, including the newest facility in McCarran, Nev.

Toys “R” Us’ 2011 holiday hires are in line with previous years, when the company hired between 35,000 and 45,000 seasonal workers.

By Josh Green, CEO, Panjiva

WAYNE, N.J. — Toys"R"Us announced that it plans to hire more than 40,000 employees to staff its U.S. stores and distribution centers this holiday season, as the company anticipates another busy Christmas across all of its shopping channels. This number is in line with previous years, when the company hired between 35,000 and 45,000 seasonal workers. Throughout the coming months, the company said it will continue to assess its staffing needs and add more employees, as necessary.