Strategy

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.  -- Health and beauty aid manufacturer, CCA industries announced that its president and CEO Dunnan Edell has died unexpectedly. 

CHICAGO — Former Sam's Club exec, Linda Hefner Filler, has joined Claire’s Stores, as North America president, effective March 1. She will report to Jim Fielding, CEO.

In her role as resident, Hefner Filler will be responsible for all operational and strategic initiatives for the Claire’s business in the approximately 1,500 Claire’s stores in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

CHICAGO and BENTONVILLE, Ark. — In light of Walmart's recent decision to share its point-of-sale (POS) data with select research companies for the first time since 2001, research company SymphonyIRI Group has partnered with 8th & Walton, a Walmart supplier education and Retail Link training business, to offer courses that will educate suppliers on the use of Walmart and multi-outlet POS data. Classes began Jan. 15 and are open to all interested Walmart suppliers with approved access to multi-outlet POS data.

New York -- In a survey released Tuesday, Amazon.com topped America’s list of companies with great reputations, joined by Apple and Google in the top five.

The 2013 Harris Poll Reputation Quotient, which polls the general public about the reputations of the 60 most visible U.S. companies, put Amazon in the top spot for the first time, although it consistently has earned high rankings. Amazon edged out Apple, which ranked first last year and second in 2013.

Walt Disney Co., Google, and Johnson & Johnson completed the top five.

NEW YORK — New York & Company and actress Eva Mendes announced that they have signed a multi-year agreement to collaborate and create a co-branded seasonal capsule collection available at New York & Company (NY&C) stores nationwide and online beginning fall '13. Additional terms of the deal were not disclosed. The to-be-named label will feature apparel and accessory items inspired by Mendes' own personal style and red carpet looks.

Atlanta -- A report released Tuesday by First Data Corp. found that dollar volume growth rebounded in January, improving to 6.2% versus 4% in December despite the payroll tax increase.

The First Data SpendTrend report, which tracks same-store consumer spending by credit, signature debit, PIN debit, EBT, closed-loop prepaid cards and checks at U.S. merchant locations, found that improved retail spending was a large contributor to the January growth.   

NAPERVILLE, Ill. -- OfficeMax has received approximately $129 million in cash proceeds related to its October 2004 investment in Boise Cascade Holdings, L.L.C.  Since 2004, OfficeMax has held two classes of securities in BCH, non-voting equity securities ("Series A Units") and voting equity securities ("Series B Units").

Naperville, Ill. -- OfficeMax has received approximately $129 million in cash proceeds related to its October 2004 investment in Boise Cascade Holdings, LLC. Since 2004, OfficeMax has held two classes of securities in BCH, non-voting equity securities ("Series A Units") and voting equity securities ("Series B Units").