Marketing

Secaucus, N.J. -- The Children’s Place announced that Eric Bauer left the company, effective June 19, 2012. President and CEO Jane Elfers will resume oversight of retailer’s supply chain, store operations, finance, information technology and real estate functions.

Elfers said: “We thank Eric for his contributions and wish him well in his future endeavors.”
 

Seattle -- Starbucks Coffee Co. details its expansion plans for Latin America, including the opening of its first shop in Costa Rica on June 20. The company also said it plans to open "several hundred stores” in Brazil the next five years. (Starbucks has full ownership of its business in Brazil.)

Starbucks and joint-venture partner Alsea expect to add more than 300 new stores in Argentina and Mexico by 2015.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens and Alliance Boots took the first step in creating what will be the first and largest global retail pharmacy player, the two companies announced Tuesday.  "This creates an opportunity for us together to create an international expansion platform," Walgreens president and CEO Greg Wasson told reporters and analysts early Tuesday morning.

Alliance Boots is a U.K.-based international, pharmacy-led health and beauty group that operates 3,330 retail businesses in 11 countries.

PHOENIX — Multi-platinum rock star Bret Michaels has partnered with PetSmart to launch a line of pet products. Available exclusively at PetSmart stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico and online at www.PetSmart.com, the collection includes toys, beds, apparel, collars, leashes, and bowls.

LAKELAND, Fla. — For the eighth consecutive year, Publix has been named as one of IDG’s Computerworld top workplaces for information technology professionals, the grocer announced Monday.

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif — Struggling specialty retailer PacSun is hoping a new campaign and some re-branding will help turn things around. To rebuild its image, the company has enlisted Juxt Interactive to create an immersive brand experience designed to coincide with the formal unveiling of the retailer’s new “Golden State of Mind” positioning, which includes the website GSOM.com, and is supposed to reflect the fluid, relaxed nature of the Golden State.

Harrisburg, Pa. -- The Pennsylvania AFL-CIO said Tuesday that workers, union leaders and shareholders will attend Rite Aid's annual shareholder meeting in Harrisburg, Pa., on June 21.

The group will hold a "Summit Meeting," attended by groups from California, Florida, Ohio, New Jersey, New York and West Virginia, and followed by a media briefing.

Rite Aid workers have attended four previous shareholder meetings. 
 

New York -- Dunkin’ Donuts said Tuesday that New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning will partner with the retailer on a series of advertisements and promotions in the New York metro area over the next three years.
 
To kick off the partnership, Manning will star in a series of Dunkin' Donuts advertisements that will launch during the upcoming football season.
 

There was quite a bit of excitement heading into this year’s RECon convention. The event is, in many respects, the annual event for retail real estate professionals from around the country (and more recently from around the world). It seemed to have a little bit more industry buzz going for it than in recent years. I think the combination of some encouraging economic indicators and the feeling that the industry is on the cusp of what may be a more sustainable long-term recovery had everyone’s optimism in high gear.

Houston -- Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services said it has hired Derek Hargrove as a senior associate in the Houston office.

In his new position, Hargrove will focus on the sale of multi-tenant shopping centers throughout southwest Texas. He also holds the title of associate director of Marcus & Millichap’s National Retail Group.