Strategy

In 1975, when I started what would become Rexall Sundown, the world was a very different place. Gerald Ford was in the White House, there was no social media and the TV universe was limited to three networks and a few local channels.

Latham, N.Y. -- After announcing the realignment of corporate management earlier this month, DWM Facilities Maintenance announced its newly developed Service Enhancement Plan (SEP) to better serve the needs of its existing clients and drive long-term growth. In this strategic shift, DWM will expand the Client Lead role and add multiple account manager positions.

Mississauga, Ontario -- Walmart Canada has appointed an executive from Delhaize Group, Dirk Van den Berghe, as president and CEO, effective Aug. 1.

Van den Berghe, who has 30 years of international business experience, most recently served as CEO of Delhaize’s Belgium and Luxembourg operations. His appointment at Walmart was seen as a way for the discounter to strengthen its grocery business in Canada.

Johnson & Johnson has added UPS chairman and CEO D. Scott Davis to its board as director. Davis will serve on the audit committee and the regulatory, compliance and government affairs committee.

Davis has been with UPS for 29 years and was appointed its CEO in 2008. Under his leadership, the company has expanded its logistics network reach and capabilities throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas. Davis plans to retire Sept. 1, and will remain non-executive chairman of UPS’ board.

American Apparel’s board of directors has voted to remove Dov Charney as chairman and fire him as president and CEO.

It is expected that the termination will be effective following a 30-day cure period required under the terms of Charney’s employment agreement.

For the time being, Charney is suspended from his positions as president and CEO, effective immediately, pending the expiration of the cure period. The board has appointed John Luttrell as interim CEO.

New York – Soupman Inc., parent company of specialty restaurant chain The Original Soupman, is partnering with the Atlanta Franchise Group, a franchise development company brought on to grow The Original Soupman's franchise presence across the country.

Fort Worth, Texas – Promotions took their toll on profitability at Pier Imports Inc. during the first quarter of fiscal 2015. The company reduced its earnings guidance for fiscal 2015.

Net earnings fell 25% to $15.1 million from $20.3 million in the same quarter of fiscal 2014.

Total sales for the first quarter were $419.1 million, a 6.1% increase from $394.9 million in the year-ago quarter. Same-store sales increased 6.3%, attributable to increases in total brand traffic, conversion and higher average ticket.

Cincinnati – Kroger Co. reported a 4% increase in its first-quarter profit, helped by the addition of Harris-Teeter, which the grocery giant acquired in January 2014. Kroger raised its net earnings and same-store sales forecast for the fiscal year.
   
The company earned $501 million in the quarter, up from $481 million in the year-ago period. The payment of $56 million to withdraw from two pension funds negatively impacted Kroger’s net earnings.