Strategy

BrandMasters is the name of a new experiential marketing agency created by Crossmark.

New York -- Shares of Safeway Inc. shares rose as much as 9% on Wednesday on rumors of increased buyout interest for its Canada operations by Canadian grocer Metro Inc. and Loblaw Companies Ltd.

On Tuesday, Metro announced it was selling off nearly half its stake in Couche-Tard Inc. for $482 million.

In December, Loblaw announced plans to spin off the vast majority of its property assets into a real estate investment trust.

DALLAS  — The growing popularity of Netflix, Hulu and other on-demand video rental services continues to take a toll on traditional brick-and-mortar video rental stores. 

Dish Network reported that its subsidiary, Blockbuster will close about 300 of its stores in the United States in the coming weeks. The closures will result in the loss of about 3,000 jobs and leave the chain with some 500 U.S. locations.

Schenectady, N.Y. -- Price Chopper Supermarkets/Golub Corp. announced that Sam Wagar has been promoted to the position of VP technical services, reporting directly to R. Gregory Zeh, Jr., VP Information Systems, CIO.

In his new position, Sam will be responsible for assessing, maintaining and recommending technology products and services to support the delivery of enterprise-wide technical services. He will oversee the corporate help desk, technical maintenance, technical operations, technical services and information integration.

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa.  — Ikea reported that sales for its fiscal year 2012 grew by 9.5% and profits were up 8% to $4.2 billion, thanks to its model of offering low-cost, functional furniture. Comparable-store sales were up 8% at its U.S. stores.

New York -- Consumer products executives expect their highest growth to come from the warehouse club channel compared with any other retail sales channel over the next three years, including mass merchandise, grocery, and e-commerce, according to new research from Deloitte.

The New Hampshire Motor Speedway will be home to the Sylvania 300 NASCAR race for five more years following the renewal of a sponsorship agreement.

North American lighting leader Osram Sylvania said it extended its title sponsorship of the race through 2017 with the operator of New Hampshire’s largest sports and entertainment facility. Osram Sylvania has sponsored the race for the past 10 years.

Norwalk, Conn. -- BJ’s Wholesale Club has reached a multi-year agreement with LogicSource Inc. to provide enhanced print procurement and management services that will deliver significant cost savings to BJ’s. Terms were not disclosed.

LogicSource will provide onsite co-sourcing for all of BJ’s print procurement needs by collaborating with BJ’s to identify new potential supply chain partners and procurement efficiencies.