Marketing

New Edge Networks to become EarthLink Business
Atlanta -- EarthLink announced that it has completed its acquisition of ITC DeltaCom, a leading provider of integrated communications services to customers in the southeastern United States, in a transaction valued at approximately $524 million.

With the close of the transaction EarthLink will begin integrating its New Edge Networks and EarthLink Business Services operations with Deltacom and will market the combined services under the ‘EarthLink Business' brand name.
Sunflower Farmers Market to open stores in California
New York City -- Sunflower Farmers Market, which operates value-priced organic and natural food grocery stores, is opening its first store in California.

Sunflower currently operates 32 stores in six Southwestern states. The chain, which focuses on offering fresh local foods at affordable prices, was founded in 2002 by Mike Gilliland, who helped start the Wild Oats chain that was later bought by Whole Foods Market.

Ikea gives workers a free bike

New York City -- Ikea US sent a holiday ‘thank you’ to each of its 12,400 associates with a free bike, the retailer said Tuesday.

The gifts were part of Ikea’s “strong commitment to good health and being environmentally conscious,” while rewarding employees for a good year, the company said.
Home Depot raises 2010 guidance; 10 new stores planned for 2011

New York City -- Home Depot on Wednesday slightly raised its fiscal 2010 earnings guidance for the second time in two months as the market for home-improvement projects slowly begins to improve. The retailer plans to open 10 stores in 2011, and has budgeted $1.3 billion in capital expenditures. and about $2.5 billion on share repurchases.

The retailer now expects net income from continuing operations to be $1.97 per share, up from prior guidance of $1.94 per share. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters, on average, also predict $1.94 per share.
Dept. of Homeland Security, Walmart partner in national security campaign
Retailers focusing inward on green issues
Target outlines sustainability goals
Giant-Landover president to exit at end of year

Landover, Md. -- Two-and-a-half years after joining the company, Robin Michel is leaving as president of the Giant-Landover division of Ahold USA to pursue other opportunities, the company confirmed Monday.

Michel will depart at the end of the month, according to Ahold USA spokesperson Sara Neumann. She will be replaced on a temporary basis as operations chief by Don Sussman, executive VP supply chain at Ahold, while the company conducts a search for a successor.
Kohl’s renews Simply Vera license early

Menomonee Falls, Wis. -- Kohl's Corp. said Tuesday it has renewed its long-term license agreement to be the exclusive seller of Simply Vera Vera Wang clothing and other merchandise, and plans to expand the line into makeup.
Talbots profit up 17% on cost-cutting

Hingham, Mass. -- The Talbots on Tuesday said its third-quarter profit rose 17% on cost-cutting. But its revenue fell and the retailer offered weak fourth-quarter guidance and cut its full-year outlook.

New Edge Networks to become EarthLink Business

Sunflower Farmers Market to open stores in California

Ikea gives workers a free bike

Home Depot raises 2010 guidance; 10 new stores planned for 2011

Dept. of Homeland Security, Walmart partner in national security campaign

Retailers focusing inward on green issues

Target outlines sustainability goals

Giant-Landover president to exit at end of year

Kohl’s renews Simply Vera license early

Talbots profit up 17% on cost-cutting