Strategy

RACINE, Wis. — SC Johnson has reached an agreement to acquire ITW's (ITW) global Space Bag brand and related assets.

"We're thrilled to add Space Bag to our family of long-respected, leading household brands," said Fisk Johnson, chairman and CEO of SC Johnson. "It will enable us to strengthen our home storage offerings and it's a natural complement to our Ziploc Brand business."

Faucet manufacturer Moen Inc. promoted Ji Kim to director of global design, effective immediately. In her new role, Kim will be responsible for providing design leadership and vision for the global design team at Moen. She will set and drive strategy for product design in several countries for categories including faucets, showerheads, accessories and bath safety items.

New York -- The U.S. Supreme has just ruled that, while the individual mandate to buy health insurance is unconstitutional, this key part of President Obama’s signature healthcare law can stay as part of Congress’s power under a taxing clause.

In other words, the Supreme Court says that the government will be allowed to tax people for not having health insurance.

Mooresville, N.C. -- Lowe’s said Thursday it is donating $250,000 to the American Red Cross as part of its efforts to provide relief from the wildfires in Colorado and the flooding damage from Tropical Storm Debby in Florida. The home-improvement retailer has already been on the ground assisting local communities affected by both disasters.

The nation’s convenience stores continued to grow last year creating a peculiar blend of competitive challenges and sales opportunities for Sam’s Club.

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Dollar stores continue to thrive in this consumer-conscious economy, and Family Dollar is no exception.

The dollar store chain reported a total sales increase of 9.6% to $2.36 billion for the third quarter, compared with $2.15 billion for the same period last year. Same-store sales rose 5%, helped by increased customer traffic and strong performances in the seasonal, electronics and consumables categories.

Abilene, Kan. -- Duckwall-Alco said Thursday it is officially changing its name to Alco Stores, Inc. An amendment at Wednesday’s annual shareholder meeting was approved. The company’s ticker symbol on NASDAQ is now “ALCS.”

The 111-year-old chain has 216 locations in 23 states, mostly in small-town environments. Plans are on tap to open five new stores in fiscal 2013 and eight underperforming stores are slated to be closed.

New York -- Confirming the rumors that have swirled for the last few days, Seattle-based Nordstrom said Thursday that it has found a site for its full full-line department store in New York City.

The 285,000-sq.-ft. flagship will open along the 57th Street corridor at 225 West 57th – between Broadway and Seventh Avenue – at a site owned by Extell Development Co.

The store is expected to open in 2018.