Strategy

New York -- Simply Fashion Stores Ltd. has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, and announced plans to liquidate nearly all of its assets. In its filing, it noted that the “exact plan” for the future of the company is still being refined.

The Birmingham, Alabama-based urban fashion retailer, which caters mostly to African-American women, operates some 250 stores in 25 states.

Washington, D.C. - The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) is seeking an injunction from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) against Wal-Mart Stores Inc. relating to the closure of five stores due to alleged plumbing problems. The UFCW wants the NLRB to force Wal-Mart to rehire 2,200 store employees who are currently on paid leave while the stores are closed for what Wal-Mart says are necessary plumbing repairs.

Camp Hill, Pa. - Steve Rempel, who spent 35 years in a variety of executive positions at Safeway, has been named Rite Aid’s senior VP and CIO. In this position, Rempel will have responsibility for all aspects of the company’s technology and information operations, including computer systems, network infrastructure, telecommunications and data security.

Cupertino, Calif. – Apple Inc. reportedly may launch its Apple Pay mobile payment service in Canada as soon as fall 2015. According to the Wall Street Journal, Apple is in negotiations with the six largest Canadian banks to roll out Apple Pay north of the border in November 2015.

Irvine, Calif. -- Tilly’s announced today that CFO Jennifer Ehrhardt intends to resign from Tilly’s to relocate closer to her family and pursue other professional interests. She will continue to serve in the role for an interim period expected to end in June 2015, and will help with the transition process.

Moms who liked rocking out to Poison in the 1980s will love Overstock.com’s new promotion.

The retailer will be hosting a new Mother’s Day sweepstakes in which one lucky winner and one guest will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Phoenix, Ariz. to enjoy three days and two nights at a luxurious hotel and spa. There, they will be treated to a spa pampering package before a car whisks them off to join Poison singer Bret Michaels at his home for dinner. Overstock.com and Michaels created the sweepstakes to say thanks to all mothers and honor them on their special day.

Dallas - Corner Bakery Cafe plans to open 13 new stores in greater Cleveland. The retailer has entered into its first area development agreement in the state of Ohio.

A. Alfred Taubman, the father of the modern indoor shopping mall, has died. He was 91.

The announcement was made over the weekend by his son, Robert Taubman, the chairman, president and chief executive officer of Taubman Centers Inc. Taubman said his father suffered a heart attack.