Strategy

Normanton, U.K. – U.K.-based discount retailer Poundworld is embarking on an IT overhaul with global retail IT services provider PCMS to support its long-term growth plans. The 10-month project will see Poundworld implement a range of new IT systems to improve customer experience, efficiency and store management.   

Austin, Texas - Epicor Software Corp. is launching a strategic partnership with integrated payment solutions provider AJB Software Design, Inc. to simplify and secure electronic payment acceptance at the point-of-purchase, enabling retailers to accommodate new and emerging methods of payment and comply with security best practices such as the forthcoming Europay, MasterCard and Visa (“EMV”) initiative.   

CINCINNATI– FRCH Design Worldwide announced that Thomas Smith has joined FRCH as director, new business development for the firm’s Retail/Mixed-Use practice.    Smith will be based in Los Angeles and will be responsible for establishing new relationships for the firm throughout North America, supporting offices in Cincinnati, New York and a soon to be established office in Los Angeles.    

Los Angeles – Change is occurring at American Apparel Inc., and it may be coming from external as well as internal sources. The board of directors of American Apparel has confirmed that it has received an indication of interest to acquire the struggling company for $1.30 to $1.40 per share.    The identity of the potential buyer has not been disclosed, but in a press release American Apparel said it “takes these matters seriously, and will evaluate this proposal in the ordinary course of business. 

Belk Inc. has renewed its agreement with eBay Enterprise to manage multi-site customer support.

Belk first partnered with eBay Enterprise in 2008 with the launch of Belk.com. Since then, Belk has increased its online business significantly and eBay Enterprise has continued to support that growth by providing customer sales and service solutions through various contact channels.

Boise, Idaho – As part of divestures to receive FTC clearance of their proposed January 2015 merger, AB Acquisitions Inc. (Albertsons) and Safeway Inc. will sell 146 stores to Pacific Northwest grocery chain Haggen. With this acquisition, which remains subject to FTC approval, Haggen will expand from 18 stores with 16 pharmacies to 164 stores with 106 pharmacies.

Time and again in 2014 the vulnerability of retailers’ information systems became apparent with Staples the latest major chain forced to admit an inability to protect customers’ personal information.

Now Staples has released more information about its data breach in September.

Minneapolis – Appliance Recycling Centers of America Inc. (ARCA) has named Jeffery Ostapeic as the company's CFO. Ostapeic is a certified public accountant and served most recently as an audit partner with Grant Thornton LLP, an international accounting firm.