Strategy

Framingham, Mass. – The TJX Cos. Inc. apparently has a taste for vegemite.

TJX is purchasing Trade Secret, an off-price retailer that operates 35 stores in Australia, from Gazal Corp. Ltd. for $58.45 million. The acquisition of Trade Secret provides TJX an opportunistic entry into Australia, where it currently operates one of its 13 buying offices.

Bentonville, Ark. – Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is reportedly making sure its suppliers understand expectations for labeling of products.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the retailer recently sent a memo to hundreds of suppliers, including major CPG firms such as Kraft Heinz Co. and Nestle, reminding them that the amount of an item inside a package must match the amount stated on the outside label.

Milan, Italy – No matter how popular a company’s products might be, if they can’t reach consumers they won’t sell.

Global eyewear retailer Luxottica Group is recognizing this basic business fact with a new strategy to substantially increase distribution capacity in the U.S., China and Italy.

Hangzhou, China – A week after unveiling a cloud protection plan and releasing more than 60 new cloud products and solutions through its cloud computing subsidiary Aliyun, Alibaba is not standing still.

The Chinese Internet giant is firmly staking a claim in the cloud with the planned investment of an additional $1 billion to fuel further growth at Aliyun.

Boston – When it comes to managing records and information, retailers are surprisingly lax compared to members of many other industries.

According to a new study from enterprise information management provider Iron Mountain, just one in three retail businesses have a records and information manager.

Boston -- A veteran retailer with experience in running big national chains has joined City Sports as its new chief executive.

The Boston-based company tapped Marty Hanaka, who has served on the board of directors of City Sports since 2008, as its new chief executive. Hanaka was the interim CEO of Guitar Center from January 2013 to April 2013. Previously, he served as CEO of Golfsmith Holdings (from June 2008 to November 2012) and of The Sports Authority (from September 1998 to August 2003.) Prior to that, he was the president and COO of Staples.

New York -- Activism, yoga classes and free repairs are all on the menu at Patagonia’s new store in Manhattan’s Soho neighborhood.

The global outdoor lifestyle retailer, one of the industry’s most dedicated environmentalists, is marking 20 years of doing business in the Big Apple.

A veteran retailer with experience in running big national chains has joined City Sports as its new chief executive.

In an ongoing effort to refresh its selection of on-trend food products, Sam's Club is once again expanding its offering when it comes to organics.

A week after releasing more than 60 new cloud products and solutions through its cloud computing subsidiary Aliyun, Alibaba is making more bold moves.