Strategy

New York -- Mexican supermarket and restaurant operator Gigante has entered into a joint venture with Petco Animal Supplies to open at least 50 stores in Mexico and other Latin American countries over seven years, Reuters reported.

The first two Petco stores will open this year in Mexico City and Guadalajara, Gigante said in a release to the stock exchange.

The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Mississauga, Ontario -- Target officially unveiled its partners, owned brands and limited-time only collections that will be featured in its Canadian stores, which will  start opening in March/April 2013.

In addition to Target's ongoing partnerships, the Canadian stores will include an exclusive, limited-time only collaboration with Roots. The new Roots Outfitters collection for Target will offer fashion for women, men, boys, girls and toddlers, and will be available from March to June 2013.

CUPERTINO, Calif. — Apple posted a first quarter profit of $13.1 billion, or $13.81 per diluted share, and $54.5 billion in revenue, thanks to the continued popularity of its iPhone and iPad products.

These results compare with revenue of $46.3 billion and net profit of $13.1 billion, or $13.87 per diluted share, in the 14-week year-ago quarter. 

BrandMasters is the name of a new experiential marketing agency created by Crossmark, one of the companies that executes in store activities at Walmart under the Shopper Events banner.

CITY OF COMMERCE, Calif. — Former Food Lion CEO, and current board member for 99 Cents Only Stores, Richard Anicetti, is assuming the role of interim CEO for the discount retailer. In addition, Michael Fung will join the company as interim chief administrative officer overseeing finance, information technology, real estate and various administrative functions of the company.  

In connection with the foregoing changes, Eric Schiffer, Jeff Gold and Howard Gold are no longer employed by the company. 

BOCA RATON, Fla. — Office Depot announced that it has been recognized by DiversityBusiness.com, the nation's leading multicultural business-to-business website, as one of the “Top 50 Organizations for Multicultural Business Opportunities” for 13 successive years. Office Depot was ranked fifth on the list.

Companies on the "Div50" list are recognized for the volume, consistency, and quality of business opportunities granted to women- and minority-owned companies. 

Seattle -- Starbucks Corp. said its profit rose in its first quarter as customers spent more at its stores in the United States and Asia.

Starbucks earned $432.2 million in the quarter ended December 30, 2012, compared with $382.1 million in the year-ago period.

Revenue rose 11% to $3.8 billion, slightly below expectations.

The company reported that global same-store sales rose 6%. In Europe, the metric fell 1%. Americas’ comparable store sales grew 7%. Same-store sales in the China/Asia Pacific region grew 11%.

New Delhi -- An Indian official said Thursday that India’s Cabinet will investigate allegations that Wal-Mart Stores Inc. broke rules as it lobbied to make its retail market debut in the country.

According to Manish Tewari, information and broadcasting minister for India, the cabinet has authorized a retired judge to look into Wal-Mart’s lobbying disclosures and investigate whether any of the retailer’s activities broke Indian law.
     

Mooresville, N.C. -- Lowe’s Cos. Inc. said Thursday it has named Michael Jones chief merchandising officer, effective immediately. Jones was previously president of the North American and Latin American divisions of Husqvarna, an outdoor equipment manufacturer.

The retailer also announced that Stephen J. Szilagyi has been promoted to supply chain executive, from his current position as SVP distribution.

Boca Raton, Fla. -- Office Depot said Thursday it has extended its deadline for board nominations; the move comes after discussions with its largest shareholder Starboard Value were held.

The extension allows stockholders to nominate candidates until the close of business on Feb. 25.

Activist hedge fund Starboard has been pushing for changes at Office Depot, arguing that the company could improve profitability in part by reducing expense.