Trading Partners

PURCHASE, N.Y. — PepsiCo has appointed Jim Wilkinson to lead the company's global communications team.

Walmart and other retailers have fought unsuccessfully for years to level the e-commerce playing field in the United States by requiring Amazon.com and other online-only merchants to collect sales tax. Doing so would eliminate the Internet pure play retailers’ most significant competitive advantage, and for a glimpse of just how significant that would be, look no further than Canada.

Sam’s Club next week is set to hold the first of three unique supplier fairs designed to improve sourcing from women and minority owned firms.

The event is scheduled for April 25 from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is designed to provide education on the Sam’s Club merchandising strategy, engage potential suppliers, strengthen relationships with diverse suppliers and identify product offerings relevant to the members that Sam’s Club serves.

Houston - Stage Stores said Thursday it has made Michael Glazer’s role as interim president and CEO a permanent one.

Glazer, a board member for the chain, was named interim chief following Andy Hall’s resignation in March.

According to Stage chairman William Montgoris, Glazer’s familiarity with the company’s growth and expansion strategy helped him secure the permanent role. “It became clear the company and its shareholders would be best served by making his appointment permanent," Montgoris said.

LONDON — The break-even forecast for the U.S. division of Tesco has been pushed back to early next year, the U.K. retail giant announced in its fiscal-year results.

Phoenix -- Cole Real Estate Investments and RED Development have announced the acquisition of Macerich’s interests in two retail power centers located in Chandler, Ariz.

In a related transaction, Cole acquired 100% ownership of a third power center located in Gilbert, Ariz. The transaction value for all three properties is $100.55 million.

HONG KONG — TV manufacturer TCL Multimedia Technology Holdings has entered into an agreement with Ikea for the development of its innovative concept of complete TV solutions that includes TV, sound system and furniture.

According to a TCL press release, the partnership will enable Ikea to offer customers designated electronic products integrated into furniture that are operated by only one remote controller, boasting the seamless blend of advanced technology and creative interior design.

Lowe’s has announced an agreement to sell $500 million of 1.625% notes due 2017, $750 million of 3.12% notes due 2022 and $750 million of 4.65% notes due 2042. Estimated net proceeds from this offering will be approximately $1.982 billion, after deducting offering expenses and underwriters' discounts.