Strategy

Some companies were more aggressive with promotions last months and others were less so, but Target held steady producing the same number of circular ad pages (109) in May 2011, and it did the same month the prior year, according to data collected by the Chicago based firm Market Track.

New York City -- Wal-Mart Stores will donate as much as $5 million to New York City’s cash-strapped Summer Youth Employment Program, Crain’s New York Business reported. The donation will reportedly save 3,400 jobs.

New York City -- With global e-commerce estimated to reach nearly $1.4 trillion in 2015, more and more retailers are looking to gear up or expand their online operations. A new report by Cisco Internet Business Solutions Group (IBSG) sizes up the challenges and opportunities -- and outlines best practices -- for retailers who want to take advantage of e-commerce growth by going global.

New York City -- The family of a 4-year-old Massachusetts boy who died after falling from an escalator at the Auburn Mall, in Auburn, Mass., have filed a wrongful-death lawsuit that alleges the escalator was "dangerous and defective" and did not follow state codes or the blueprint for its installation.

SEATTLE — Recreational Equipment Inc. announced that it will open its first Indiana store in Indianapolis next spring.

According to the company, the one-story, approximately 23,800 sq.-ft. store will offer products from the top brands of outdoor gear and apparel for camping, climbing, cycling, fitness, hiking, paddling, snow sports and travel. The Indianapolis store will also house a bike shop for quick assemblies and repairs, and a seasonal gear rental department for customers looking to test new activities, REI reported. 

Santa Monica, Calif. -- Robert K. Futterman & Associates said it has doubled its Los Angeles office space to accommodate a now 10-person team.

Robert Cohen has been promoted to president of the Southern California division and Rachel Rosenberg has been promoted to executive VP, now overseeing all Southern California operations for the firm.
 

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Fortune Brands announced that it has named E. Lee Wyatt as SVP and CFO of its home and security unit.

Wyatt was most recently EVP and CFOat HanesBrands. Prior to joining HanesBrands in advance of its 2006 spin-off, Wyatt served as a VP of Sara Lee and as CFO of Sara Lee branded apparel from 2005 to 2006. His previous executive leadership positions include serving as EVP, CFO and treasurer of Sonic Automotive and as VP administration and CFO of Sealy Corporation.

Columbia, S.C. -- Edens & Avant announced Friday that its CEO Terry S. Brown has been named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2011 Carolinas Award winner.

The awards program recognizes entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Brown was selected as the winner in the real estate category from nearly 100 nominations across the Carolinas.