Marketing

Charles R. (Cork) Walgreen III, former president, CEO, chairman of the board, and chairman emeritus of the iconic U.S.-based drug store chain Walgreens, died at on Monday, Sept. 26, at his home in Lake Forest, Ill. He was 80.

Walgreen was the grandson of Charles R. Walgreen Sr., founder of the 115-year-old pharmacy retailer that now is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance.

Staples has chosen a company veteran as its new CEO.   The retailer on Monday named Shira Goodman as its president and CEO and as a member of its board of directors, effective immediately.  Goodman, who has been been with Staples 24 years, has been serving as interim CEO since May when she took over for Ron Sargent, who resigned in the wake of the company’s failed attempt to acquire rival Office Deport.    

One of the country’s oldest online grocers just secured a major cash infusion to help it expand its services.   FreshDirect has received a $189 million investment, led by JPMorgan Asset Management, that will be used to launch its grocery delivery service in more cities, to expand new business units and incubate others, reported RECode.   

Office Depot Inc. has agreed to sell its European business to an investment group.   The office-supplies retailer is selling its European operation to German investment firm Aurelius Group.   Office Depot Europe operates more than 100 stores in Europe, under such banners as Viking.  

It’s sad, but true: companies are still taking a “don’t ask, don’t tell” stance when it comes to owning up to data breaches.   

CVS Health shoppers have to wait a few more days for curbside pickup.   On the eve of launching its new ‘CVS Curbside Pickup’ service, the chain postponed the launch date due to technical difficulties.    The drug chain was ready to kick-off its app-based curbside pickup service across is 4,000 locations nationwide on Thursday, Sept. 22. However, due to overuse during the company’s soft-launch, the app became sluggish and orders began piling up.   

Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. reported second quarter earnings below expectations amid lower sales. But it reaffirmed its profit forecast for the year.   The chain earned $167.3 million, or $1.11 a share, in the quarter, compared with $201.7 million, or $1.21 a share, in the year-ago period.   Sales inched down 0.2% $2.98 billion, down from $2.99 billion a year ago. Same-store sales fell 1.2%.  

Photo: Ken Worzel   Top executives at department store retailer Nordstrom have been given new responsibilities.   The retailer said it has appointed Ken Worzel as president, Nordstrom.com. in a move to further accelerate its e-commerce, digital and mobile efforts.  

A longtime McDonald’s veteran has joined the fast-growing Dunkin’ Donuts.    Dunkin' Brands Group, parent company of Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, announced that David Hoffmann has been appointed president of Dunkin' Donuts U.S. and Canada, effective Oc. 3.   

Photo: Paula Schneider    The saga continues at American Apparel.   Paula Schneider plans to step down as CEO of the apparel retailer on Oct. 3, according to yahoo.com, which cited a report by Women’s Wear Daily. Schneider will be replaced by the company’s general counsel and chief administrative officer, Chelsea Grayson.