Corporate Governance

New York -- Two U.S. banks have dropped their lawsuit against Target Corp. and its credit card security assessor, Trustwave Holdings Inc. The banks had accused Target and Trustwave of failing to properly secure customer data, leading to the retailer’s data breach during last year’s holiday season.

Matthews, N.C. -- Family Dollar is expanding its food assortment with the introduction of more than 400 new food items in each of its more than 8,000 stores across the country.

"At Family Dollar our focus is on our customer," said Jason Reiser, Family Dollar executive VP and chief merchandising officer, in a statement. “It’s important for us to constantly evaluate our assortment, making sure that we have the products and national brands that are relevant to her and her family, always at a great everyday value."

Ankeny, Iowa -- Casey’s General Stores plans to break ground on the company’s second distribution center in November 2014. The facility will be located in Terre Haute, Ind.

Cincinnati -- The Kroger Co. announced that senior VP Robert "Pete" Williams plans to retire in May after 37 years with the company.

Williams, who began his Kroger career in 1977 as a management trainee, has served in his current role since 2007. Currently, he leads seven supermarket divisions. His replacement will be named.

Chicago -- Claire's Stores on Tuesday said its CEO, James D. Fielding, has resigned. He will be replaced by Beatrice Lafon, currently president of Claire’s Europe, effective April 2. The specialty retailer also posted a lower profit for the fourth quarter amid a drop in sales.

Fielding joined Claire's from The Walt Disney Co. in June 2012.

By Marc Aptakin, CEO and Founder, Timesly

Time theft can lead to steep losses in revenue. For chain store owners and managers in particular, every minute impacts the business’ bottom line. Managing your workforce properly is one of the most critical components to success, and fortunately, the industry is experiencing a new wave of technological advancements for those looking to do exactly that. Here are a few examples to help you improve efficiency, increase cash flow and cut down on lost time.

Biometrics

Dallas — SRS Real Estate Partners, in partnership with Cresa Toronto, has opened an office in Toronto, Canada. It is the company’s first Canadian office and second international location. Jamie Grossman, managing principal for Cresa Toronto will oversee the new office, while SRS has brought in Lindsay Ryder as first VP for SRS.

Houston — Fuddruckers has opened its first restaurant in Europe — in Varese, Italy near Milan. The fast casual restaurant is the first of 10 planned by a new franchise partner, Vinum et Alia. Future sites being considered are in Italy, Poland and Switzerland.

The design of the 5,000-sq.-ft., 120-seat restaurant references Fuddruckers’ classic roadhouse origins.

Chestnut Hill, Mass., and Greensboro, N.C. — Tanger Factory Outlet Centers and WS Development have announced plans to partner on the development of an upscale outlet center in Cheshire, Conn. The two companies will co-own the center, which is now in the pre-development stage.

Located at the I-691 and Route 10 interchange, the site features visibility and convenience.

Los Angeles and Tokyo — Pinkberry has selected Royal Holdings to roll out franchises across Japan. An experienced franchisee, Royal Holdings operates 722 restaurants across several brands.

The initial development plan calls for 50 Pinkberry frozen yogurt stores.