Strategy

SAN FRANCISCO — Facebook's influence on retail continues to grow as eBay announced that it has integrated the social network's Open Graph functionality into its storefront and fulfillment platforms.

PHOENIX — Ahead of its analyst and investor presentation Thursday, PetSmart announced that it is raising its third quarter guidance.

The company said it now expects earnings per share for the third quarter to range from 46 cents to 48 cents. Initial guidance called for an EPS range of 41 cents to 45 cents. For the full year, earnings per share guidance is increasing to $2.46 to $2.52 from a previous range of $2.40 to $2.48.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway reported net income of $130.2 million (38 cents per diluted share) for the third quarter of 2011 compared with $122.8 million (33 cents per diluted share) for the third quarter of 2010.

Total sales were $10.1 billion in the third quarter of 2011 compared with $9.4 billion in the third quarter of 2010, due primarily to higher fuel sales, a 1.5% increase in identical-store sales (excluding fuel) and a higher Canadian exchange rate.

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — Staples is looking to appeal to more small business customers by offering an expanded selection of printed products through its Copy & Print service. To further entice these customers, through Nov. 12, the company is offering 30% off all purchases of Copy & Print services of $30 or more produced in store, online or by phone.

NEW YORK — Gap executives reaffirmed its commitment to reducing square footage at home, aggressive international expansion and online growth during a presentation at Gap Global Creative Center in New York City. Gap also revealed that its online-only Piperlime division will explore a store concept next year and is testing men’s apparel.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target announced that has partnered with FishWish to help reach its goal selling only sustainable and traceable seafood in its stores by 2015. 

ST. LOUIS — Ralcorp Holdings announced that Robert Vitale will serve as CFO Post Holdings in conjunction with the previously announced separation of Ralcorp and the Post cereal business.  Vitale will join Post effective Nov. 1.

Saving people money so they can live better is Walmart’s mission globally, now the company just has to convince shoppers worldwide that shopping at stores that offer an every day low price value proposition is the key to their prosperity.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Sears Holdings has begun the staged roll out of Apple iPads and Apple iPod Touch devices, starting with nearly 450 stores nationwide. The move is designed enhance the relationship between customers and associates while improving the overall in-store shopping experience, Sears said.

Boston -- Global private equity firm Advent International announced that Thomas Ryan, former chairman and CEO of CVS Caremark Corp., has joined the firm’s Operating Partner Program. He will advise and work closely with Advent’s investment professionals to identify attractive opportunities and generate post-investment value at retail and healthcare companies globally.

Ryan, who joined CVS Caremark in 1974 as a pharmacist, was appointed chief executive in 1994.