Strategy

New York -- Toshiba Tec Corp. and IBM announced the initial closing of the transaction in which Toshiba Tec will acquire IBM's Retail Store Solutions (RSS) business. The agreement was announced on April 17, 2012.

Toshiba Tec has established Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions Holdings Corporation, a holding company, of which Toshiba Tec holds 80.1% ownership and IBM holds 19.9% ownership.

DODGEVILLE, Wis. — Lands’ End has named Michael Rosera as chief operating and finance officer. In his role he is responsible for accounting, financial reporting, legal, information technology and integrated company planning. As the leader of finance and operations and a member of the executive team, Rosera reports directly to Edgar Huber, CEO and president of Lands’ End.

By Brian Ross, [email protected]

In today’s competitive environment, enterprise loyalty is king. Companies must embark on their strategic journey influenced by customer insights. These insights are gained through transactional data and allow for the shifting of mindset, culture and strategy across the entire enterprise – everywhere from merchandising and store layout to pricing. Sharing this information across the organization — beyond simply the marketing department – is essential to customer-centric merchandising.

Wayne Lutomski has joined Welch’s as vice president of the brand’s international division.

Welch's, the leading marketer of Concord and Niagara grape-based products, named Lutomski to the position following the retirement of Bill Hewins who spent 30 years with Welch’s.

Orlando, Fla. -- Darden Restaurants reduced restaurant water usage by 17% on an aggregate basis between fiscal years 2008 and 2011, exceeding its 2015 goal of reducing water consumption in each of its restaurants by 15% on aggregate and is more than half way toward meeting the same goal for reducing energy consumption in its restaurants, according to the company’s second annual sustainability report.

WASHINGTON — Desire for more organic food, high-end products and mobile technologies were the driving trends of the fastest-growing retailers in the United States, according to the National Retail Federation's "Hot 100 Retailers" list. Published annually in the group's STORES August issue, the list consists of retail companies that reported the greatest increase in domestic sales between 2010 and 2011. All public and private companies with more than $300 million in sales were eligible for the list, which was compiled by Kantar Retail.

Goodlettsville, Tenn. -- Dollar General Corp. announced it is supporting the American Association of Retired Persons’ “Work Reimagined” program and the 50-plus worker pledge.

“Work Reimagined” is a social network-based jobs program that connects employers seeking experienced workers with qualified professionals searching for new or more satisfying careers. The site (will leverage the platform of social media site LinkedIn to make the best connections between experienced workers and the best employers.

The Chronicle of Philanthropy is out with its ranking of the leading charitable donors and Target ranked eighth in 2011.

Target donated $146 million in cash and $63 million worth of products last year, according the Chronicle. It is a significant sum that and equates to roughly 4.7% of the retailer’s pretax profits.