Strategy

BURLINGTON, Mass. — 89 Degrees, a customer engagement agency that leverages data and analytically driven strategy for maximum ROI, has named Rosie Poultney VP, analytics.

“Rosie is a key hire in our evolution as a customer engagement agency, linking digital technology and analytics to drive omnichannel marketing in powerful new ways,” said Phil Hussey, president of 89 Degrees. “Adding Bill Pena recently as VP of technology services was another major step in this direction, as we bring world class talent to our technology solutions.”

BOCA RATON, Fla. — In a letter to shareholders, the board of directors of Office Depot Inc. said it has made significant progress toward a successful closing of the planned merger with OfficeMax by the end of this year. The letter also urges shareholders to support the board’s 10 nominees for the company’s board of directors.

ABILENE, Texas — Law firms Brodsky & Smith LLC and Levi & Korsinsky are investigating potential claims against the board of directors of Alco Stores Inc., in relation to a merger agreement between Argonne Capital Group, LLC and Alco. Under the terms of the transaction, announced July 25, Alco shareholders will receive $14 in cash for each share of Alco stock they own.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Electrolux Major Appliances North America has named Daren Couture as SVP of end-to-end supply chain. Couture will oversee the company’s supply chain and nine manufacturing facilities in North America, including the newest cooking appliances facility located in Memphis, Tenn. 

NEW YORK — Hudson’s Bay Company has reached a deal to buy Saks Inc. The Canadian retail conglomerate, which operates Lord & Taylor in the United States and Hudson Bay in Canada, will purchase Saks and its 41 stores for a total of about $2.9 billion. Purchase price includes $16 per share of Saks as well as the assumption of Saks’ debt.

NEW YORK — Consumer confidence in July rose to the highest level in six years as Americans’ views of their finances and the economy improved, according to the the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan index of consumer sentiment.

The index increased to 85.1 in July from 84.1 at the end of June. It was the highest level since July 2007.

Consumers said they were move favorable toward making purchases, including automobiles and homes.

DALLAS — Zale Corporation has promoted Bridgett Zeterberg to the position of SVP, general counsel and secretary. Zeterberg joined Zale in September 2010 and became general counsel and secretary in February 2012.

She is responsible for all legal, compliance and contractual matters, as well as corporate and board governance. She will continue to report to Theo Killion, CEO.

DALLAS — Bridgett Zeterberg, general counsel and secretary of Zale Corporation, has been promoted to SVP, general counsel and secretary. Zeterberg joined Zale in September 2010 and became general counsel and secretary in February 2012. Zeterberg is responsible for all legal, compliance and contractual matters, as well as corporate and board governance. She will continue to report to Theo Killion, CEO.