Trading Partners

Chicago -- Retailers and consumer product manufacturers who create and maintain a diverse workforce are more likely to increase innovation and meet consumer needs than those who don’t, according to a new report by the Network of Executive Women.

Fairfield, N.J. -- Amerlux Global Lighting Solutions recently celebrated the grand opening of Guangzhou Amerlux Lighting Solutions Co. Ltd., its new facility in China, as well as a Hong Kong sales office. The Guangzhou location was officially launched on Feb. 15 with an elaborate traditional Chinese ceremony.

Former Walmart president and CEO Lee Scott will step down from the board of Goldman Sachs after serving just one year, according to a report late Thursday by the Financial Times. The publication indicated that a person familiar with the situation said service on the Goldman board demanded significantly more time than Scott had anticipated.

HUDSON, Ohio -- Jo-Ann Stores announced that its shareholders approved the adoption of the merger agreement between an affiliate of Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. and the company. Of the shares that were voted, over 99% were in favor of the adoption of the merger agreement. Approximately 82% of the total outstanding shares, as of the record date, voted in favor of the merger agreement. The company anticipates the closing of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, will occur later today.

Glendale, Calif. -- Nordstrom and Caruso Affiliated jointly announced today an agreement to relocate the Nordstrom full-line store and build a new store at Caruso Affiliated's The Americana at Brand in downtown Glendale, Calif.

The new three-level, 135,000-sq.-ft. is expected to open in fall 2013 and will be part of the expansion of The Americana at Brand. Nordstrom will continue serving customers at its current Glendale Galleria store, located next to The Americana at Brand, until the new store opens.

New York City -- Global design consultancy Fitch today announced the opening of its first office in China. The new office will service Fitch’s existing clients such as Nokia and Dell, as well as new clients in the buoyant Chinese market.

Ian Bellhouse, managing director for SE Asia & Greater China, Fitch, will lead the new operations.

Cambridge, Md. -- Tarrytown, N.Y.-based  DLC Management Corp. announced that Advance Auto will open an 8,125-sq.-ft. store at Shoal Creek Mall in Cambridge, Md.

The retailer, which signed a 10-year with DLC, will join a newly opened Walgreens anchor at the 67,248-sq.-ft. shopping center.

Advance Auto is slated to open this fall.

Chicago -- Jones Lang LaSalle today Thursday that the firm is donating $1.25 million to the Japanese Red Cross to provide aid and relief following the Japan earthquake and Pacific Tsunami that have left a path of destruction in their wake.