News

MBH appoints new principal
MBH Architects, Alameda, California, announced the appointment of a new principal, Dimple Manghani, who previously led the retail team as a senior associate and studio director.

A licensed architect and a LEED accredited professional, Dimple has 12 years experience building relationships with such clients as Williams-Sonoma, Levi’s, and H&M. Additionally, she is responsible for the acquisition of the firm’s luxury retail clients, including Dior and Tiffany & Co.
Persistence pays off for another Kroger exec
Kroger showed its tendency to promote longtime executives to key senior leadership roles again with the naming of a 32 year veteran to serve as president of its 138 store Smith’s division based in Salt Lake City.

Kenny Kimball was elevated to the role of president of Smith’s after previously serving as VP of operations. Kimball joined Smith’s in 1984 as a courtesy clerk and succeeds Jay Cummins who announced his retirement in February. Kimball assumes his new responsibilities April 30.

Persistence pays off — Kroger vet named president of Smith’s

Kroger showed its tendency to promote longtime executives to key senior leadership roles again with the naming of a 32 year veteran to serve as president of its 138 store Smith’s division based in Salt Lake City.

Kenny Kimball was elevated to the role of president of Smith’s after previously serving as VP of operations. Kimball joined Smith’s in 1984 as a courtesy clerk and succeeds Jay Cummins who announced his retirement in February. Kimball assumes his new responsibilities April 30.
Arby’s looks to theme park industry for new IT chief

Arby’s Restaurant Group Inc. is naming Darla Morse as new CIO, effective April 18.

Morse will report directly to Paul Brown, CEO. She joins Arby’s from SeaWorld, where as CIO she led the technology teams supporting all 12 SeaWorld parks and corporate headquarters. Morse has more than 22 years of total technology experience, with previous positions in a variety of roles for Walt Disney World.
Report: How to win over millennial customers

Value and communication are the keys to winning over millennial consumers, according to a survey of 600,000 consumers conducted by J.D. Power.

The 2016 survey polled more than 634,000 consumers, including 126,315 millennials and 246,594 Boomers. Pete Trujillo, senior manager of industry analytics at J.D. Power, hosted a webinar this week to highlight data from the survey, titled "Millennials Insight Report: The Customer Experience Perspective."
Petco on track with store expansion

Specialty retailer Petco will open seven new stores in April as part of its 2016 growth plan, which includes 20 new store openings year-to-date.

In addition to the seven new locations, the retailer is also expanding one location to accommodate growth in Swampscott, Massachusetts, and remodeling seven stores in San Antonio.
Discount grocer on fast-track

Aldi is expanding its fledgling footprint in Southern California.

On Thursday, April 21, the grocer will open six stores in Los Angeles County, three in Orange County and one store in San Bernardino County.

The April openings are part of Aldi’s plan to open approximately 45 stores in Southern California by the end of 2016, eight of which opened last month.

Currently, Aldi operates nearly 1,500 U.S. stores in 33 states.
Hot fashion brand signs on for Howard Hughes’ Seaport District

Howard Hughes Corp. has added a fast-growing Dutch fashion brand to its lineup for its Seaport District revitalization project in lower Manhattan.

The developer has signed a lease with Scotch & Soda to set up shop in the shopping area which, when completed, will encompass seven buildings on several city blocks totaling over 365,000 sq. ft., with a mix of dining, shopping, entertainment and cultural offerings.
Rite Aid fiscal 2016 year-end revenue exceeds $30 billion for first time

Rite Aid on Friday reported revenues of $8.3 billion for its fourth quarter ended Feb. 27, representing an increase of 20.8%. Retail Pharmacy Segment revenues were $6.8 billion and decreased 0.3% compared to the prior year period primarily as a result of a decrease in same-store sales. Pharmacy Services Segment revenues were $1.5 billion.
Best Buy wants to get you goods online - fast

Best Buy Co. Inc. is expanding a test of same-day delivery service from San Francisco to 13 major metro markets across the U.S.

The electronics chain started the pilot in San Francisco last fall and expanded it to New York early in 2016. It has now added Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia, Seattle and Washington, D.C.