Trading Partners

Dublin, Calif. -- Epicor Software Corp., a global provider of business software solutions for manufacturing, distribution, retail and services organizations, and Ace Hardware Corp., the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the industry, announced an extended three-year agreement.

Under the arrangement, Epicor serves as Ace Hardware’s only recommended point of sale solution provider, with Epicor Eagle business management software offered to Ace’s retailer owners.

Stamford, Conn. -- GE Capital Retail Bank, a consumer lending unit of General Electric Co., and Sam’s Club announced their multi-year agreement to continue providing the Sam’s Club credit card program to their Advantage and Business members.

GE Capital’s Retail Finance business will continue to manage the Sam’s Club relationship and service the account.

PHILADELPHIA — Pep Boys has been named as the exclusive distributor of Barett Jackson car care products within its new automobile restoration system.

The three-part automobile restoration system – which includes abrasives, paint and car care – is now available in at Pep Boys locations across the country and offers car collectors and enthusiasts an easy, unique way to complete the restoration of car projects from start to finish.

Arlington, Va. -- In letters sent to President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney, the Retail Industry Leaders Association urged both to consider the retail industry’s prominent role in the U.S. economy as they advance their visions for the future.

The letter was signed by Gregg Steinhafel, Target chairman, president and CEO and Sandra L. Kennedy, RILA president. Steinhafel serves as chairman of the RILA board of directors. 

Elmwood Park, N.J. -- Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services said it has promoted David E. Thurston to associate VP investments.

Most recently, Thurston held the title of senior associate in the New Jersey office. He began his career at Marcus & Millichap in 1999 as the regional manager of the New Jersey office.

DALLAS and ATLANTA — The Home Depot bolstered its home improvement selection with the acquisition of U.S. Home Systems, a manufacturer of kitchen, bathroom and other remodeling products, as well as storage organization systems for closets and garages. Currently, USHS serves as the exclusive provider of kitchen and bath refacing products and services as well as closet and garage organizational systems to The Home Depot.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Wal-Mart Stores Inc. will adjust its future financial reports to add more detail on legal proceedings and cyber security after U.S. regulators asked the retailer to better explain certain matters in its latest quarterly and annual filings, Reuters reported.
  
Wal-Mart's correspondence with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission took place in June and July and was made public on Monday.

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. — The Hillshire Brands Company announced that Sean Reid will become chief customer officer, effective Aug. 20. Reid will lead the external selling organization and build sustainable strategic relationships and strategies across all consumer-facing channels including Wal-Mart, Kroger, Costco and development networks. He will report to Sean Connolly, CEO.

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. — Hub Group, a light freight transportation management company has been named a 2012 Partner in Transformation for Sears Holdings. Hub Group received the award for financial and operational discipline.

NEW YORK — Damco announced it has been named a 2012 Partner in Transformation for Sears Holdings Corp. in recognition of its innovative contributions to Sears. Damco is a leading third-party logistics provider specializing in customised freight forwarding and supply chain solutions.

Sears grants the Partners in Transformation award to a select group of supplier companies who have been helping support the transformation of the company through innovation around customers, core retail excellence and financial and operational discipline.