Marketing

Tractor Supply Company president and COO Greg Sandfort will succeed James Wright as CEO of the 1,135 store chain effective January 1.

New York -- Starbucks Coffee Co. will open stores across the Scandinavian region in a partnership with Umoe Restaurant Group AS, a leading chain of service establishments in Scandinavia.

The first locations are expected to open in 2013 in Sweden and Norway.

Michelle Gass, president, Starbucks Europe, Middle East and Africa commented: “We are proud to increase our presence in Scandinavia as part of our growth strategy in Europe, Middle East and Africa, and further develop stores where our customers want and expect us to be

During a year that saw Dollar General open its 10,000th store and AutoZone opens its 5,000th store, rent-to-own retailer Aaron’s has opened its 2,000th location.

The Atlanta-based retailer specializing in the sales and lease ownership of residential furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, designated a store in the Bronx, New York as its 2,000th location.

Cincinnati -- Macy's Inc. announced on Friday that Finish Line Inc. would be the department store retailer’s exclusive athletic footwear partner, opening in-store shops in more than 450 Macy’s stores nationwide. The merchandise will also be available online at macys.com.

Under the agreement, Finish Line will be Macy’s exclusive partner for men’s, women’s and kids athletic footwear and Macy’s will be the exclusive host for Finish Line-branded in-store shops.

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. — Dollar General is promising big savings on toys -- right up until Christmas Eve. From Sept. 29 through Dec. 24, the retailer is offering a 10% discount on toy purchases of $75 or more.

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Whirlpool took the top spot amongst major appliance companies in the 2012 annual American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). Whirlpool Corporation has led or tied for first place each year since 1996.

Stockholm, Sweden -- Swedish fast-fashion retailer Hennes & Mauritz AB reported Thursday that net income for the quarter ended Aug. 31 edged up less than 1% to $550 million, missing analysts’ expectations of $618 million in profit. Sales rose 10% in local currency, but gross margins shrank and the retailer said it would delay the start of online operations in the U.S. until next summer to allow it more time to adapt to the market.

Oak Brook, Ill. -- Inland American Real Estate Trust has announced the appointment of Thomas P. McGuinness as president. McGuinness joined Inland in 1982 and has held several executive positions throughout the Inland organization.  

In his new role, he will oversee the management of the company’s day-to-day operations, including the strategic business plan, investment decisions, asset management and financing functions for the national portfolio of 48 million sq. ft.