Strategy

Gouverneur, N.Y. -- Kinney Drug Inc. has decided to change its name to KPH Healthcare Services. The new name is designed to more accurately reflect the makeup of Kinney’s diverse range of pharmacy-related healthcare services, the company said.

“We believe that the name change will afford each of our divisions the best opportunity to grow business within existing markets, as well as position them for expansion into new markets,” the company said in a statement sent to Drug Store News.

New York -- Coldwater Creek Inc. is planning to liquidate its assets after a bankruptcy filing that is expected to come soon, Bloomberg News reported. The filing would come five months after the specialty women's apparel retailer, which is based in Sandpoint, Idaho, said it was exploring strategic alternatives, including a sale.

Friendswood, Texas — The 1.2-million-sq.-ft. Baybrook Mall in Houston is getting another 550,000 sq. ft. The mall owner, General Growth Properties, and the landowner, a CDC Houston-managed entity, have formed a joint venture to carry out he project. Work will begin in early May and completed by the 2015 holiday season.

Boston -- Berkshire Partners LLC, the Boston-based investment firm, and Glen T. Senk, a New York-based retail and consumer executive, are partnering to co-invest in innovative, high-growth retail and consumer businesses. Berkshire Partners has initially committed $350 million to future investments alongside Senk and his newly formed firm, Front Row Partners LLC, where he serves as chairman and CEO.

One of the most fascinating developments over the last several years in our industry has been the explosion of new and different types of dining concepts. And it’s not only the restaurants chains evolving and emerging, but also about the way that dining preferences are changing.

SPAR Group, a leading supplier of retail merchandising and other marketing services throughout the United States and internationally, has appointed Panos Mastrogiannis as chief information officer and executive officer.

The company also provided shareholders with an update on its technological advances.

Stamford, Conn. -- GE Capital Retail Bank announced a long-term extension of its agreement with American Eagle Outfitters to continue providing private-label credit card programs for online, mobile app, and store purchases made at any of the 856 American Eagle Outfitter and 115 Aerie locations across the U.S.

As part of the seven-year agreement, GE Capital’s Retail Finance business will continue to manage the American Eagle Outfitters credit card program, which began in 1996.

Hormel Foods Corporation recently awarded 90 suppliers with a 2013 Spirit of Excellence Award for their roles in the company’s continuous improvement process throughout the last year. These suppliers are from a variety of areas, including contractors, pork procurement, provisions, ingredients, packaging and transportation.