Marketing

Specialty apparel retailer Body Central has transformed its merchandising organization with four high level hires and the departure of former chief merchant Beth Angelo.

SPRINGFIELD, N.J. — Watch maker TAG Heuer has launched its first online shopping boutique.  Paying homage to the brand's eight avant-garde retail boutiques nationwide, the new online boutique will mimic TAG Heuer's "lifestyle lounge," which allows consumers to fully immerse themselves in the TAG Heuer brand from any location. 

FOSTER CITY, Calif. — Visa announced that it has signed an agreement with leading mobile commerce provider ROAM, an Ingenico company, to enable merchants of all sizes to accept electronic payments using mobile technology. The companies aim to displace cash payments by expanding the reach of electronic payments to new merchant categories, and by making it easier for merchants and acquirers to take advantage of secure mobile acceptance solutions.

The head of the Grocery Manufacturers Association took exception this week to a new book which portrays consumers as hapless victims preyed upon by food industry giants that peddle addictive products.

In “Salt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us,” author Michael Moss paints an unflattering picture of food companies who pursue a win at all costs strategy by artfully manipulates salt, sugar and fat to addict and fatten consumer with disastrous results.

HOUSTON, — Apparel and accessories retailer Francesca's Holdings has named Richard Kunes as an independent director to its board of directors, effective Feb. 25, 2013.

Since August 2012, Kunes has served as EVP and senior advisor to the CEO at The Estee Lauder Companies, Inc. Prior to that, he served for 12 years as EVP and CFO. Before being appointed CFO, Kunes served in several financial management positions at Estee Lauder including corporate controller.

New York -- Terry Lundgren, CEO of Macy’s, took the stand on Monday to testify in the trial of two Macy's lawsuits regarding the deal between J.C. Penney Co. and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc. The long-awaited trial began last Wednesday, in New York Supreme Court.

The trial is about whether Macy’s has the exclusive right to sell Martha Stewart branded cookware, bedding and certain other products.
 

New York -- Leonard Riggio, founder and chairman of Barnes & Noble, has told the company’s board that he wants to make an offer for its retail business. Riggio is Barnes & Noble’s largest shareholder, owning nearly 30% of the company.

The offer would not include Nook Media, Barnes & Noble’s e-book division.

Barnes & Noble said in a statement that it had formed a special board committee of three directors to consider Riggio’s proposal. There is set timetable for the process.

BOISE, Idaho — Albertsons named the division presidents who will lead the 877 stores it will acquire from Supervalu after the purchase agreement closes next month, the company said. The two companies agreed to the purchase in January.

CANTON, Mass. — Casual Male Retail Group, a specialty retailer of big and tall men's apparel and accessories, is changing its corporate name to Destination XL Group Inc. to reflect the company's transition to its Destination XL (DXL) retail stores and DestinationXL.com e-commerce website.

As previously announced, the company's ticker symbol was changed to "DXLG" effective Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012.  The name change will be effective as of Monday, Feb. 25, 2013.

PLANO, Texas — JCPenney announced that Canada’s Joe Fresh brand will launch in JCPenney stores beginning March 15, with a collection of modern basics for women. The collection will be displayed in 750-sq.-ft. to 2,500-sq.-ft. dedicated shops in nearly 700 JCP stores.