Corporate Governance

Fashion retailer expanding into new markets
South Moon Under is on the move. The on-trend fashion retailer, which carries a variety of contemporary brands, will open its first stores in the South in April, with locations at Ponce City Market, Atlanta, and Avalon, Alpharetta, Georgia. In the fall, the company will open a store at Shops Around Lenox, Atlanta.
Starbucks to open a mobile-order-and-pay-only store
Starbucks Corp. is making some changes to its Seattle headquarters that include a couple of format debuts. The coffee giant is set to open its first-ever location that only accepts mobile orders and payments on the eight floor of the building, reported the Puget Sound Business Journal.

Publix to grow its GreenWise store banner

Publix Super Markets is revving up for growth in the organic and natural foods store space. Publix announced plans to reignite its GreenWise store concept. The grocer launched the format in 2007, and currently operates three stores under the banner. It has not opened a new GreenWise location since 2008.
Publix, H-E-B big winners in customer experience survey

Two regional grocers beat all the competition in and out of their category in a survey of customer experiences across 20 different industries.
Report: Walgreens sets deadline for approval of Rite Aid deal

The latest move by Walgreens Boots Alliance in its pursuit of the Rite Aid may be a bet that a Trump-appointed FTC chief will finally push the deal through.
Furniture retailer terminates referral program with appliance partner

Rent-A-Center is taking another step toward repositioning the company for profitability. The furniture retailer’s Acceptance Now division is terminating its referral agreement with Conn’s Appliances. These accounts consistently underperformed compared to the rest of its ANow portfolio in terms of delinquencies, losses and product returns.
Auto parts retailer names company veteran as new CEO

U.S. Auto Parts has a new leader at the helm. Aaron Coleman has been appointed as the company’s CEO and director, effective immediately. He succeeds Shane Evangelist, who served as CEO and a director since 2007. Evangelist recently resigned.
Outdoor retailer files ‘stalking horse’ bid

Gander Mountain has taken a step toward keeping the brand in business. The outdoor retailer, which filed for bankruptcy protection on March 13, has filed a stalking horse bid. A joint venture comprised of Gordon Brothers and Hilco Merchant Resources has proposed to purchase substantially all of the retailer’s assets. This stalking horse bid will act as a baseline, in effort to ward off low offers on the chain’s assets.
Analysis: Can Abercrombie course correct with key strategic changes?
Wegmans names new CEO

Wegmans Food Markets has appointed a familiar name as its new chief executive. Danny Wegman announced that he is stepping down as chief executive of the family-owned supermarket company and will be succeeded by his daughter, Colleen Wegman, who will serve as president and CEO. Danny Wegman will assume the title of chairman.
Stage Stores to acquire bankrupt department store chain — but not all of it

Gordmans is being rescued from liquidation — at least, part of it. Stage Stores won a bid to acquire about half of Gordmans’ stores. The Omaha, Nebraska-based department store chain filed for Chapter 11 on March 13. The retailer’s bid edged out Jeff Gordman, the former CEO of Gordmans, who also made a play to revive the bankrupt 106-store department store chain.
Gas and convenience store chain’s senior VP steps down

Murphy USA is losing its senior VP, retail operations. Marn Cheng will resign from his position on April 30. During his 17-year tenure, Cheng has held various leadership roles within the operations team, including retail operations, fuel supply, ethanol production, customer and store support. He is resigning for personal reasons, and plans to spend more time with family in both Malaysia and the United States, according to Murphy USA.