Marketing

New York -- Friends of Howard Schultz, the outspoken and politically progressive founder and CEO of Starbucks, are urging him to enter the Democratic race for President, according to a report by Fortune.

To read the full story, click here.
 

Camp Hill, Pa. -- Ken Martindale, one of the key architects behind Rite Aid's recent growth, on Monday was promoted to the new position of CEO Rite Aid stores.

The move is designed to enable Rite Aid chairman and CEO John Standley to focus on expanding the role the drug store plays in healthcare delivery with its EnvisionRx, RediClinic and Health Dialog divisions.
 
Martindale, 55, will continue to report to Standley and will retain his role as president of Rite Aid.
 

New York -- American Express Co and Costco Wholesale Corp. are at it again.

A lawsuit has been filed accusing American Express of misleading investors about the loss of its contract with Costco after having failed to reveal how significant that business had become to the credit-card company, Reuters reported.

Foot Locker Inc. has chosen a new IT chief to drive the company's next generation of technological advances.

The retailer has appointed Pawan Verma as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, effective Aug. 10. Verma succeeds Peter Brown, who retired in April after 38 years with the company.
Verma will oversee the company's global information technology functions and infrastructure, and provide leadership and vision to align technology with strategic business initiatives. 

Pittsburgh – Who said women don’t like sports? Dick’s Sporting Goods certainly never said so.

Dick’s is launching Chelsea Collective, a specialty women's fitness and lifestyle boutique. The first two Chelsea Collective locations will open in August 2015 in Tysons Corner, Virginia at Tysons Corner Center and Pittsburgh at Ross Park Mall.

New York -- Another retailer is going from clicks to bricks.

Fast-fashion giant H&M is adding another set of initials to its aggressive expansion plans. 

Minneapolis -- Best Buy is moving further ahead in its quest to make shopping across platforms as easy as possible for consumers.

The retailer, in partnership with American Express, has integrated new technology that allows Amex card members enrolled in the Amex Membership Rewards program to use their points for online purchases on BestBuy.com.