Trading Partners

Toano, Va. -- Flooring retailer Lumber Liquidators said Friday it will acquire certain assets of Sequoia Floorings in order to strengthen its mill-direct relationships and shore up its long-term sourcing strategies.

Sequoia, a trading company, had provided product quality and development services on approximately 40% of Lumber Liquidators’ 2010 merchandise purchases, primarily those in Asia.

MATTHEWS, N.C. — The chief investment officer of Trian Fund Management has been named to the board of directors at Family Dollar, the retailer announced.

Edward Garden's appointment as board member is effective immediately. With this appointment, Family Dollar's board expands to 11 directors.

New York City -- Centro Properties Group US is changing its name to Brixmor Property Group, effective immediately. The name change follows the acquisition of the company in June by an affiliate of Blackstone Real Estate Partners VI L.P.

Brixmor is the second largest owner of community and neighborhood shopping centers in the United States with 585 properties aggregating approximately 92.0 million sq. ft. and has been a leader in value-creating redevelopment over the last decade.

Matthews, N.C. -- Family Dollar Stores said Tuesday that it has named longtime CVS/pharmacy executive Mike Bloom as its new president and COO to replace the departing R. James Kelly, who announced his retirement on Tuesday after 15 years with the company. Kelly will serve as vice chairman for the next six months to assist with the transition.

Bloom, formerly executive VP – merchandising, supply chain, marketing and advertising for CVS Caremark, will assume the position of president/COO.

BOCA RATON, Fla. — Office Depot has fired the president of its international business for "having an improper relationship."

Charlie Brown, president of the international division, has left the organization, effective Monday, the company announced in a press release.

Atlanta -- U.S. prosecutors have charged former Carter’s senior VP Joseph Elles with securities fraud, according to a report by the Associated Press.

Elles has been accused of lying about the company's financial situation and then selling shares of its stock when the price was artificially inflated.

STELLARTON, NS  and MINNEAPOLIS — Details for Target's entry into Canada continue to fall into place as the retailer announced last week a long-term wholesale distribution agreement with Sobeys Inc.

Beginning in early 2013, Sobeys will supply Target’s food and grocery requirements for frozen, dairy, and dry grocery products, inclusive of both national brand and Target’s private label brands.

CINCINNATI — Kroger announced that it has become a member of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Million Dollar Club.

According to Kroger, membership into the USHCC Million Dollar Club, is awarded to corporations who have spent between $25 million to over $500 million with Hispanic suppliers, in the previous year.

This is Kroger's second consecutive year of qualifying for membership. The company was inducted in the $250 to $500 million annual expenditure category.