Marketing

Seattle - One month after Starbucks and Arizona State University announced the expansion of a benefit to pay for employees’ college education, more than 1,800 have signed up, with more than 2,200 total. The Starbucks College Achievement Plan offers 100% tuition reimbursement for all four years of college.

New York -- Boscov’s Department Store believes in keeping it in the family. Albert Boscov, 85, has resigned as CEO of the company, and been succeeded by his nephew, Jim Boscov. The new chief, who will continue to serve as vice chairman, is the third generation of the family to lead the privately held business which was founded more than 100 years ago.

While American Apparel implements a “strategic turnaround plan,” the severity of the company's financial problems is worsening. 

Net loss at American Apparel Inc. grew to $26.4 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2015, from $5.5 million the same quarter a year earlier. Net sales dropped 9% to $124.26 million from $137.1 million. Same-store sales fell 5%.

Dallas - Corner Bakery Cafe is focusing franchising efforts in the Southeastern markets of Birmingham; Charleston; Charlotte; Columbus; Jackson; New Orleans; Raleigh; and Tampa. Corner Bakery Cafe is looking for best-in-class franchise operators who have relevant multi-unit restaurant/retail experience in the market to be developed.

In targeting the Southeast region, Corner Bakery Cafe, which has more than 390 locations in development commitments, plans to strengthen its presence.
 

New York - Ryan Guheen has joined Brixmor Property Group as senior VP, redevelopment & strategic leasing. Guheen is based in New York and will play a major role in the company’s Raising the Bar initiative.

Raising the Bar involves upgrading the merchandise mix at its shopping centers with best-in-class anchors to drive higher sales, traffic and small shop leasing, while elevating center appeal to improve rent levels and net operating income growth.

“Pitch Perfect” star Rebel Wilson is hot, and Torrid is leveraging that popularity by teaming up with the actress on a new fashion line.

The plus-size fashion retailer is launching REBEL FOR TORRID, an exclusive capsule collection created with the actress, writer and comedian. The limited edition Holiday collection launches November, and will be sold in TORRID stores nationwide and worldwide on TORRID.com.

It’s been a month since the announcement of Hal Lawton’s move from Home Depot to eBay, where he will head up eBay North America.

Secaucus, N.J. – The Children’s Place Inc. is publicly criticizing a report from proxy advisory service Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) recommending that shareholders elect one of two board nominees from activist investors Macellum SPV II L.P. and Barington Companies Equity Partners L.P. ISS supports election of Robert L. Mettler but recommends against electing Seth R. Johnson.