Corporate Governance

E-commerce giant Ratuken’s U.S. fulfillment service, Ratuken Super Logistics, has begun to accept Internet currency Bitcoin as payment.

The company will accept payment from its customers immediately for fulfillment services and software delivery through the company BitPay.

New York – Although Macy’s Inc. reported a 4% increase in net income to $292 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2014, from $281 million in the same period a year earlier, the company still missed Wall Street expectations. Leftover merchandise from a sluggish first quarter helped keep Macy’s profit growth down.

Walgreens is expanding its Healthcare Clinic retail locations with entry into the Dallas-Fort Worth market. The company plans to bring 13 Healthcare Clinic at select Walgreens locations to the Dallas Metroplex by the end of 2014. The first clinic opened July 28 in Southlake.
 

New York — Retail brokerage firm Cohen Real Estate has added two new members to its brokerage team, augmenting the firm’s presence in New York City.

Guy Saban joins Cohen as investment sales broker, and will provide real estate advisory and investment services to buyers and sellers who are seeking to expand, optimize, and/or diversify their real estate portfolios.

Max Garelick joins as real estate associate, and will work alongside Cohen VP Michael Cleeman to market retail, mixed-use and multi-family properties in Manhattan.

Macy’s tempered its full year sales forecast after solid second quarter results and growing optimism around omnichannel initiatives weren’t enough to offset a slow start to the year.

Macy’s said sales increased 3.3% to $6.267 billion and same store sales increased 4% during the second quarter ended August 2. Excluding sales in departments licensed to third parties same store sales increase 3.4%. Profits increased to $292 million, or 80 cents a share, from $281 million, or 72 cents a share.

Tampa, Fla. -- Burger 21, founded by the owners of The Melting Pot Restaurants, has executed its first franchise agreement in Michigan, under which a debut restaurant in Ann Arbor will open summer 2015.

Additionally, the company signed two franchise agreements for single units in Ocala, Florida, and Raleigh, North Carolina. The new deals are part of the fast-casual concept's growth strategy to expand its presence in new and existing markets nationwide.

To date, Burger 21 has 13 open locations and 25 franchised restaurants in development.

Charlotte, N.C. -- Southern department store chain Belk has promoted Jan Clevenger from chair of the company’s Western Division in Birmingham, Alabama, to the position of executive VP and general merchandise manager over Men’s, Home and Kids.

David Luoma has been promoted to succeed Clevenger in the Western Division chair position.

Columbus, Ohio – Big Lots Inc. is expanding its food selections in all of its 1,491 stores across the country. The department will feature more brand name products, improved product arrangement and well-designed signage to make shopping easier.