Data & Analytics

Bankston joins Levin as VP of property management
Gilbert Bankston, who’s managed shopping centers for both Simon Properties and General Growth Properties joined Levin Management as VP of property management. Ten of his 13 years in commercial property management were spent at GGP, where Bankston rose to senior general manager with a focus on maximizing net operating income. At Levin, he is charged with delivering best-in-class service in property management and maintaining positive tenant-landlord relationships.
Conn’s to embark on $700 million securitization transaction
Specialty retailer Conn’s is preparing for its newest round of securitization. Conn’s has entered into an agreement to securitize approximately $700 million of retail installment contract receivables, with an expected Oct. 6 closing. The face amount of the notes to be issued is $1.12 billion, with an advance rate of 77.5% of the outstanding customer receivables portfolio balance. This equates to approximately 89.5% of net book value at July 31, 2015.

Pier 1 protects brand with ‘poison pill’ plan

In addition to posting its earnings, Pier 1 announced a plan to protect the company from potential takeover bids. On Tuesday, the home decor chain announced a “Rights Protection Agreement,” which will protect itself from any single shareholder seeking to acquire a 10% stake or more, as summarized in an article in MarketWatch.
Pier 1 sales drop for Q2

Despite strong digital gains, Pier 1 is feeling the effect of soft store sales during the summer. Net sales for the second quarter for fiscal 2017, ended Aug. 27, 2016, decreased 6.7% to $405.8 million, compared to $435.0 million for the same period last year. Comparable store sales for the quarter decreased 4.3%. Gross profit also fell during the second quarter, hitting $145.0 million, compared to $154.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2016.
American Eagle names new executive VP, CFO

American Eagle continues to strengthen its management team to further drive its growth. Bob Madore has been appointed executive VP and CFO, starting Oct. 28. In his new role, Madore will oversee all aspects of finance, merchandise planning and allocation, and investor relations. He will report to American Eagle’s CEO Jay Schottenstein.
REI’s DC eyes ‘free energy’

Never mind going for the gold, REI has visions of platinum — LEED platinum, that is. Outdoor retailer REI has designed its distribution center to be ‘Net Zero Energy.’ By creating a facility that produces enough renewable energy to meet its own annual energy consumption requirements, REI hopes earns LEED Platinum status — the highest level in the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) rating system.
A speedy exit for Stein Mart CEO

There is a leadership change underway at Stein Mart. Dawn Robertson resigned from her position of CEO and company direc-tor. D. Hunt Hawkins, the chain’s president and COO, has been named interim CEO.
Sears steers Uber’s rewards program

Sears is hitching a ride with Uber — and inviting its loyal shoppers along. A new program, called Rider Rewards, is designed to award Sears shoppers for using Uber’s ride service. Customers that link their Sears Shop Your Way loyalty plan to their Uber account will earn $2 in loyalty points for every Uber trip they take. Besides points, the loyalty program also tailors deals to members. Drivers can also take advantage of the program, and earn up to $1,000 in certain markets.
Aldi’s green DC translates into ‘gold’

Aldi’s sustainability efforts are gaining recognition. The grocer’s sustainable distribution center and regional headquarters in Moreno Valley, Calif., have earned LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Working alongside Graycor Construction Company, Aldi improved the design and materials used in the development of both buildings.
Office supplies chain recognized for sustainability commitment

Knowing business is not just about sales, Staples leads the charge when it comes to responsible business practices. The chain’s positive impact on society — and the planet, as a whole — has earned Staples a place on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the thirteenth year in a row. The global benchmark weighs corporate responsibility and sustainability performance among the largest 2,500 companies listed on the Dow Jones Global Total Stock Market Index.
NRF Study: Facebook leads digital marketing spend

Interactive media continues to shake up retailers’ digital marketing strategies.
Report: Chicago startup teams with Target to take on Amazon Alexa voice search

A Chicago startup has landed partnerships with four major online retailers, including Target, to launch a product meant to rival Amazon’s Alexa, according to the Chicago Tribune.