Trading Partners

Department stores could be in for a fresh approach from Coach, following its announcement that it will acquire upscale footwear brand Stuart Weitzman.

Coach will make initial cash payments of approximately $530 million to Sycamore Partners, and, in addition, will pay the firm up to another to $44 million in contingent payments upon hitting “selected revenue targets” over the next three years.

The Retail Industry Leaders Association announced that Jennifer Safavian has joined the organization as Executive Vice President for Government Affairs.

As RILA’s top lobbyist, Safavian will oversee RILA’s federal and state advocacy, guiding an agenda that includes cyber security, e-fairness, tax reform and other critical issues facing the retail industry.

Arlington, Va. -- The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) announced that Jennifer Safavian has joined the association as executive VP for government affairs, effective Jan. 5. As RILA’s top lobbyist, Safavian will oversee RILA’s federal and state advocacy, guiding an agenda that includes cyber security, e-Fairness, tax reform and other critical issues facing the retail industry.

Framingham, Mass. - Staples has negotiated a multi-year contract with CommerceHub, extending its decade-long partnership with the virtual inventory platform.

“CommerceHub’s platform and service are reliable and invaluable assets in helping Staples effectively expand inventory, manage suppliers and coordinate fulfillment,” said Peter Scala, senior VP e-commerce. “Our continuing partnership is essential to maintaining successful operations as Staples continues to develop its Staples Exchange marketplace platform.”

Washington, D.C. - The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) and six other merchant associations have sent a letter rebutting recent comments about payment card security from the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA). Specifically, the letter outlines three points.  

Walgreens is poised to start 2015 off with a bang, as the company has nearly finalized its mega-deal with Alliance Boots.

Walgreens shareholders voted to approve all proposals related to the company’s acquisition of the remaining 55% of Alliance Boots that it does not currently own and the reorganization of the company into a holding company structure.

Deerfield, Ill. - At a special meeting of shareholders held Monday, Walgreens shareholders voted to approve all proposals related to the company’s acquisition of the remaining 55% of Alliance Boots GmbH that it does not currently own and the reorganization of the company into a holding company structure.  

Family Dollar delayed a shareholder vote on a potential acquisition by Dollar Tree until Jan. 22 in a move that allows more time to contemplate a rival bid from Dollar General.

Family Dollar convened as planned on Tuesday and, based on insufficient votes, subsequently adjourned its Special Meeting of Stockholders on the proposed transaction with Dollar Tree.