Strategy

Ralphs and Food 4 Less don't have stores anywhere near the Northeastern U.S., but that didn't stop the Kroger divisions from joining with other retailers providing an outpouring of support to those coping with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

This holiday season promises to be the most digital of all time with forecasts calling for e-commerce growth to handily outpace overall industry sales. At UPS, the multi-channel movement is a trend we have watched intensify and helped facilitate during the past decade. Chances are good one of our delivery vehicles will visit your home or that of a family member this Christmas.

Seattle -- Starbucks Coffee Co. reported a higher-than expected net income of $359 million for its fourth quarter, compared with $358.5 million in the year-ago period. The company also raised its earnings estimate for the next fiscal year.

Revenue rose 11% in the fourth quarter, to $3.36 billion. Same-store sales rose 6%, fueled by higher customer traffic.

Dallas -- 7-Eleven announced that it has acquired the retail and wholesale dealer assets of San Antonio-based Tetco, closing a deal that was announced Aug. 14.

The assets include 163 company-operated convenience stores in Utah and the Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio areas of Texas.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The acquisition signals a return to San Antonio for 7-Eleven, where the company had operated stores until 1989.

New York -- Supervalu Inc. is cutting 700 positions at its Shaw’s and Star Market divisions in New England.

The company said Friday that the job cuts will take place in 169 Shaw's and Star Market stores.

Naperville, Ill. -- OfficeMax Inc. announced that its U.S. contract business will now go to market as OfficeMax Workplace.

The company said the new name reflects its commitment to developing strategic relationships with a wide array of customers including businesses, universities, hospitals, schools and local governments to provide them with tailored solutions specific to the unique needs of their workplace.

Seattle -- Nordstrom said it plans to open a Nordstrom Rack in Birmingham, Ala. This will be the retailer's first location in the state.

The approximately 35,000-sq. ft. store is scheduled to open in spring 2013 at River Ridge Shopping Center. The center is owned and operated by DDR Corp.

Los Angeles -- Guess said Thursday that its COO J. Michael Prince and CFO Dennis Secor both have resigned the company to pursue other interests.

Prince’s departure is effective Nov. 26 and Secor will stay until Dec. 7.

The company said it does not have any immediate plans to replace the COO position and will realign these responsibilities among various senior executives. Michael Relich, executive VP and CIO, will assume additional operational responsibilities, including logistics. 

Altoona, Pa. -- C-store chain Sheetz announced Friday that Joe Sheetz will assume the role of president and CEO, and current president and CEO Stan Sheetz will become chairman of the board, effective October 2013.

Joe Sheetz is currently executive VP finance and store development.

Steve Sheetz, will leave his chairman seat to fill a newly created position of Family Council Chairman, allowing him to represent the Sheetz family shareholders in company-related issues, while remaining as chairman of CLI Transport, Sheetz dedicated fuel carrier.

Toronto -- Sears Canada said Friday it has unveiled four refreshed store concepts in Ontario, and Quebec, each featuring additional brands and product displays.

The Kitchen Shop now features small appliances organized by type and major appliances are displayed in gallery settings. A number of departments, including mattresses and footwear, have deepened product offerings and enhanced the merchandising of the lines.