Trading Partners

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. — Dollar General announced that Susan Lanigan, EVP and general counsel, has decided to retire from Dollar General later this year after nearly 11 years with the company.

MINNEAPOLIS — Best Buy founder, Richard Schulze, is returning to Best Buy as its chairman Emeritus. In addition, Schulze has nominated Brad Anderson and Al Lenzmeier to serve on the Best Buy Board of Directors, pursuant to a previously disclosed agreement between the company and Schulze.

Schulze had resigned from the company last June over the scandal involving from CEO Brian Dunn. He then made several failed attempts to take Best Buy private.

Schulze expressed support for Best Buy's current chief, Hubert Joly.

SOUTHPORT, Conn. — Sturm, Ruger & Company, a firearms manufacturer, announced that the company has been named Vendor of the Year by Cabela’s.

Bergen, N.J. -- Vitamin Shoppe said Monday it has opened its first international franchised Vitamin Shoppe store, located in Panama City. The store, which opened March 4, is owned and operated by franchisee Reprico.

"We're excited to partner with Reprico and bring the Vitamin Shoppe to Panama," said Musab Balbale, director of new business for the Vitamin Shoppe. "Our focus on delighting the customer with knowledge and great service will make us a trusted source for our customers in Panama."

Minneapolis -- Supervalu announced appointments to its executive team, including Janel Haugarth who will remain with the company as EVP and president of independent business and supply chain services. The announcement comes as Sam Duncan, Supervalu president and chief executive continues finalizing his leadership team following the sale of five retail banners to Cerberus-led investment group AB Acquisition LLC, a transaction that was completed on March 21.

In other appointments:

BOCA RATON, Fla. — Office Depot was named to the 2012 list of America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises by Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). This marks the eleventh year that Office Depot has been included on the selective list.

BEAVERTON, Ore. — Nike announced a strategic partnership with Swiss company Bluesign Technologies to accelerate the supply of more sustainable materials and chemistries for use in Nike products.

Walgreens reported a better-than-expected profit on flat sales for its second quarter Tuesday morning and unveiled an expanded partnership with AmerisourceBergen that could give the pharmacy operator an equity position and seat on the drug wholesaler’s board.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Meijer has expanded its program that supports Michigan small businesses to feature 55 new Michigan-made grocery products in all its stores statewide, Meijer co-chairman Doug Meijer announced Tuesday.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Anthea Jones has assumed the role of president at Bi-Lo. He will continue to serve as SVP operations. 

Jones comes to the position from the Bi-Lo side of the recent merger between regional supermarkets Bi-Lo and Winn-Dixie. He signed on with Bi-Lo in 1999 after 17 years at Food Lion. He also is the immediate past board chairman for the Global Market Development Center. 

Jones succeeds Michael Byars in the position. Randall Onstead continues as president and CEO of the combined company, Bi-Lo Holdings.