Finance & Capital Management

Consumer goods manufacturer SC Johnson continues to make progress on an ambitious waste reduction goal by securing “zero landfill” status at its eighth global manufacturing facility.

The company has set a target of reducing its global manufacturing waste by 70% by 2016. From 2000 to 2012 the company reduced its waste by 62% as a ratio to production.

San Francisco -- Wells Fargo & Company and Dillard’s have entered into an agreement for Wells Fargo to fund, issue and service Dillard’s-branded private label and co-brand credit cards. Wells Fargo will also manage the cardholder loyalty program for Dillard’s.

The program agreement has a 10-year term and is anticipated to become operational in the fourth quarter of 2014, following the scheduled expiration of Dillard’s current program agreement. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Houston — Fuddruckers has opened its first restaurant in Europe — in Varese, Italy near Milan. The fast casual restaurant is the first of 10 planned by a new franchise partner, Vinum et Alia. Future sites being considered are in Italy, Poland and Switzerland.

The design of the 5,000-sq.-ft., 120-seat restaurant references Fuddruckers’ classic roadhouse origins.

Chicago -- Claire's Stores on Tuesday said its CEO, James D. Fielding, has resigned. He will be replaced by Beatrice Lafon, currently president of Claire’s Europe, effective April 2. The specialty retailer also posted a lower profit for the fourth quarter amid a drop in sales.

Fielding joined Claire's from The Walt Disney Co. in June 2012.

Brussels, Belgium -- Delhaize Group has signed an agreement with Tropic Group B.V. to divest all of its 39 Bosnian & Herzegovinian stores. Tropic Group B.V. is an entrepreneurial organization founded by retail executive Bojan Risović.

The transaction is expected to complete in third quarter 2014, subject to regulatory approval and working capital adjustments. Terms were not disclosed. Delhaize originally purchased the stores from Serbian retailer Delta Maxi in 2011.

The sale of Unilever’s meat snack business to Jack Link’s closed this week, clearing the way for the Minong, Wis.-based company to pursue its global ambitions.

Jack Link’s is already the leading U.S. meat snack brand with a pervasive presence at retail but has set its sights on international growth.

Chestnut Hill, Mass., and Greensboro, N.C. — Tanger Factory Outlet Centers and WS Development have announced plans to partner on the development of an upscale outlet center in Cheshire, Conn. The two companies will co-own the center, which is now in the pre-development stage.

Located at the I-691 and Route 10 interchange, the site features visibility and convenience.

By Marc Aptakin, CEO and Founder, Timesly

Time theft can lead to steep losses in revenue. For chain store owners and managers in particular, every minute impacts the business’ bottom line. Managing your workforce properly is one of the most critical components to success, and fortunately, the industry is experiencing a new wave of technological advancements for those looking to do exactly that. Here are a few examples to help you improve efficiency, increase cash flow and cut down on lost time.

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