Consumer Affairs & Relations

BJ's Charitable Foundation has donated 70 grants totaling $431,000 to several nonprofit organizations whose goals are to help improve the lives of local residents in the areas surrounding BJ's Wholesale Clubs.

The funds will go toward healthcare, education, hunger prevention and self-sufficiency.

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New York -- The Jones Group Inc. announced that its shareholders overwhelmingly voted to approve the company’s acquisition by Sycamore Partners.

Under the terms of the deal, Sycamore will acquire Jones for $15.00 per share in cash, or a total transaction value of approximately $2.2 billion.

Rite Aid has appointed David Abelman a SVP of brand development and innovation. He will report to Ken Martindale, Rite Aid’s president and chief operating officer.

Abelman will be responsible for overseeing the continued development of Rite Aid brand products as well as identifying and implementing new innovations to enhance and grow Rite Aid’s business.

Hamilton, Bermuda -- Signet Jewelers Limited and Zale Corporation have announced the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, in connection with the proposed acquisition of Zale by Signet.

The expiration of the HSR Act waiting period satisfies one of the conditions to the closing of the proposed acquisition, which remains subject to approval by Zale’s stockholders and certain other customary closing conditions.

Foothill Ranch, Calif. -- The Wet Seal announced that Kathy Bronstein resigned from its board of directors, effective April 4.

Lynda Davey, The Wet Seal’s non-executive chairman, stated: “Kathy has been a valued member of the board of directors and we appreciate the contributions she made to the company, both as a board member and during her earlier tenure as CEO.”

One of the most fascinating developments over the last several years in our industry has been the explosion of new and different types of dining concepts. And it’s not only the restaurants chains evolving and emerging, but also about the way that dining preferences are changing.

Cary, N.C. -- The board of directors of The Pantry Inc. has elected Thomas W. "Tad" Dickson, former chairman and CEO of Harris Teeter Supermarkets Inc., to serve as chairman of the board of directors. He replaces Edwin J. Holman, who was chairman of the board since September 2009.