Mergers & Acquisitions

Costco Wholesale Club has tapped its longtime director as its new chairman.   The company announced the election of Hamilton “Tony” James to the position of chairman. He replaces Jeff Brotman, who co-founded Costco with James Sinegal in 1982. Brotman passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 2.  

At Home Group continues to expand its store network in the Lone Star state.    The fast-growing retailer announced the grand openings of three locations in the greater Houston area, including a newly redeveloped store in Katy, Texas, that opens on July 19. Construction is underway on stores in Pearland and Richmond, Texas, that are slated to open in the fall. The Katy location is one of seven At Home stores in the greater Houston area, and one of 26 in Texas.   

After eliminating in excess of $435 million in funded debt.   Payless ShoeSource has emerged from bankruptcy — with a slimmed down U.S. portfolio and a cleaner balance sheet.  

Nordstrom on Thursday reported positive results for its second quarter amid ongoing discussions of a possible buyout.   The upscale department store retailer reported that total net sales increased 3.5% to $3.79 billion in the quarter ended July 29, compared to a forecast for $3.75 billion. Total company same-store sales rose 1.7%, also better than expected.  

The month of July saw a big turnover at the top.  

Southeastern Grocers has made a temporary appointment permanent.   The supermarket operator, parent company of Winn-Dixie, Bi-Lo, Fresco y Más, and Harveys, has appointed Anthony Hucker president and CEO, effective immediately. Hucker has served as interim president and CEO since July 1, 2017.  

Online subscription beauty retailer Birchbox may be looking to sell itself.   The company has been discussing a potential sale with several retailers, including Walmart, reported Recode. If the discounter were to acquire Birchbox, it would be the chain's fifth e-commerce acquisition since last August.   

Houston-based Fiesta Mart has appointed a retail veteran as its new chief executive.   The Hispanic grocery store chain named Sid Keswani as CEO, effective August 9, 2017. He replaced outgoing chief executive Mike Byars.