Finance & Capital Management

Montreal - Dollarama Inc. has named Elisa D. Garcia, executive VP and chief legal officer of Office Depot Inc., as an independent director and member of the Nominating and Governance Committee. Garcia’s appointment expands the corporation’s board of directors to 10 directors, seven of whom are independent.

New York -- On Thursday, in a move that could shape the minimum wage debate, Walmart announced it was raising the minimum wage of its employees to $10 per house, which is significantly higher than the Federal minimum wage. The news has met with a mixed reaction.  

Here's a sampling:
 
CNBC reports that Wall Street gives Walmart a big thumbs down for the news.

Thousand Oaks, Calif. -- Gourmet hot dog and burger concept Dog Haus will open its fifth franchise location in Thousand Oaks, California, on Feb. 21.

The Los Angeles-based brand is making its Ventura County debut at 50 East Thousand Oaks Blvd. in a former Denny’s space.  Franchisee owners are Paul Homayoun and Gina Candari; the Thousand Oaks unit will be Dog Haus’s eighth location.

Ann Inc. may be in talks with at least two potential buyers, according to a report this month from Bloomberg.

The $1.6 billion owner of the Ann Taylor and Loft women’s clothing stores said in an October regulatory filing it planned to review strategic options and that it is working with JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Ann Inc. may be in talks with at least two potential buyers, according to a report this month from Bloomberg.

The $1.6 billion owner of the Ann Taylor and Loft women’s clothing stores said in an October regulatory filing it planned to review strategic options and that it is working with JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Walmart CEO Doug McMillon talks about changes at Walmart.

St. Louis -- Build-A-Bear Workshop reported $11.8 million profit for the fourth quarter, more than double the $5.4 million profit it reported in the year ago period, amid continuing signs of a turnaround. The company’s performance driven by strong sales of licensed characters, including a line of “Frozen” stuffed animals.

Revenue totaled $131.5 million for the quarter, up from $108.1 million last year.

Ikea is moving ahead with its strategy to expand its footprint in the Midwest by finalizing plans on a massive new distribution center in Illinois.

The retailer has submitted final plans to the City of Joliet, Ill., that would advance the development of its previously approved main Midwestern distribution center.