Store Systems

New York City -- Rite Aid has started the rollout of its new wellness store format, with 40 stores completed as of the end of the second quarter (Aug. 27, 2011). It expects to complete a total of some 300 wellness remodels in its current fiscal year, management said during a conference call with investors.

Chattanooga, Tenn. -- CBL & Associates Properties said Thursday that it has agreed to acquire Northgate Mall in CBL’s hometown of Chattanooga, for $11.5 million in cash.

The mall was listed for sale through an online auction. CBL anticipates closing on the transaction by Oct. 6.

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — Stater Bros. has promoted its senior regional VP.

The Southern California-based supermarket chain said that Dan Meyer, a 41-year company veteran, has been promoted to the newly created role of SVP retail operations. In this capacity, Meyer will be responsible for the retail operations of all 167 Stater Bros. stores, as well as overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Corporate Training Center. Meyer will report to George Frahm, EVP retail operations and administration.

Indianapolis -- The Finish Line reported Thursday that net income for the quarter ended Aug. 27 rose 24% to $20.9 million, compared with $16.8 million in the year-ago period.

Sales rose 10% to $331.5 million, beating Wall Street’s expectations of $321.9 million, and same-store sales surged 11%.

San Bernardino, Calif. -- Dan Meyer has been promoted to the position of senior VP, retail operations of Stater Bros. Markets. A new position in the company, Meyer will be responsible for the retail operations of Stater Bros.’ 167 supermarkets as well as overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Corporate Training Center. 

Meyer, who joined Stater Bros. in 1971, most recently served as  senior regional VP.

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.

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.

UNION, N.J. — Bed Bath & Beyond's aggressive promotional strategy appears to be paying off as the company reported another quarter of strong sales. The company reported that net sales for the fiscal second quarter of 2011 were approximately $2.314 billion, an increase of approximately 8.3% from net sales of approximately $2.137 billion reported in the fiscal second quarter of 2010. Comparable-store sales in the fiscal second quarter of 2011 increased by approximately 5.6%, compared with an increase of approximately 7.4% in last year's fiscal second quarter.