Strategy

Redmond, Wash. – Microsoft will open its first flagship location, on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.

In addition, Microsoft plans to open 10 new stores across the U.S. in time for the 2014 holiday season, while the flagship New York store is being built. Microsoft has not given a specific timeframe for when the flagship will open, but said it has been planning the store for five years. It will open in a spot currently occupied by luxury accessories brand Fendi, a few blocks south of an Apple store.

Dublin, Calif. - Ross Dress for Less will open a new store in Hawthorne, California, in Los Angeles County, on Oct. 11. The store is located in the Hawthorne Town Plaza.

This new opening is part of the retailer’s 2014 expansion program, totaling approximately 75 new locations during the year.

Macy’s is gearing up for the holiday by hiring approximately 86,000 seasonal employees at its Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s stores, call centers, distribution centers and online fulfillment centers — a 3.6% increase from last year. In particular, the company’s seasonal workforce has grown in its network of online fulfillment centers thanks to increased sales generated by its omnichannel business strategy.

Matthews, N.C. – Family Dollar Stores Inc. launches its “Ad Match Promise” program on Sept. 30. When presented with a local competitor’s printed advertisement, Family Dollar stores will match the competitor’s price.

Walmart continues to deploy new capabilities through e-commerce and mobile channels — and as part of its digital agenda, the board has added Instagram CEO and co-founder Kevin Systrom to its ranks.

The entrepreneur, software engineer and co-founder of photo-sharing service Instagram has become the 15th member of the board. Systrom will also serve as a member of the company’s technology and e-commerce committee and its compensation, nominating and governance committee (CNGC).

The H&M Conscious Foundation, an independent nonprofit global foundation initiated by H&M to drive long-lasting positive change for people and communities, has partnered with WaterAid to bring safe water and toilets to a quarter million students in some of the world's poorest countries by 2017.

Fashion model and H&M Conscious Foundation ambassador Alek Wek was joined on stage at the Global Citizen Festival by H&M Conscious Foundation global manager Helena Thybell to present the foundation's flagship program with WaterAid.

Cincinnati -- Macy’s said it plans to hire about 86,000 seasonal associates for its Macy's and Bloomingdale's stores, call centers and distribution and fulfillment centers for the 2014 holiday season, an increase of about 3.6% from 2013.

In particular, Macy’s said, its seasonal workforce has grown in recent years in the company’s network of online fulfillment centers in support of increased sales generated by the company’s omnichannel business strategy.

New York -- Standard General LP is in talks to improve RadioShack’s cash position in advance of the holiday season, Reuters reported. The hedge fund said it was in talks with the struggling retailer to buy the company's loans and other commitments under its asset-backed credit facility.

Standard General has also raised its stake in RadioShack to 9.8% from 7.08%. It is now the retailer’s largest shareholder.