Corporate Governance

Boston — A group of private equity companies, including Advent International and CDIB Capital, have joined together to acquire a significant equity position in International Coffee & Tea, which owns and operates stores under The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf banner, with an eye on expanding in Asia. Other investors participating in the transaction include Mirae Asset Private Equity and the Sassoon family (the latter is the largest existing shareholder of The Coffee Bean, and is remaining as a substantial shareholder).

Vancouver, B.C. – Lululemon Athletica Inc. reported a slight drop in net income during second quarter 2013.

Net income dipped about 1% to $56.45 million, from $57.7 million.

Net revenue grew 22% to $344.5 million from $282.6 million, and same-store sales increased 8%.

Monrovia, Calif. – Trader Joe’s will reportedly stop offering health benefits to part-time employees next year.

According to Bloomberg, employees who work less than 30 hours per week will no longer be eligible for corporate health benefits as of Jan. 1, 2014. That date is when the U.S, Affordable Care Act mandates employers start offering all full-time workers affordable coverage.

Toronto – Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) reported net earnings of $3.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2013, compared to a net loss of $2 million in the second quarter of the previous fiscal year.

In addition, HBC reported consolidated sales of $947.7 million, up 3.9% from $911.9 million. The retailer credited consolidated same-store sales growth of 3.5% and e-commerce sales growth of 56.1% to $37.3 million as helping to drive its healthy overall performance.

Austin, Texas – The California Department of Pesticide Regulation is reportedly suing Whole Foods Market, Inc. for selling four pesticide products that allegedly fail to comply with state regulations.

An Associated Press report says the suit, filed Monday, Sept. 9 in Sacramento Superior Court, requests a court order to force Whole Foods to explain why it is selling the pesticides in question. If the court determines the pesticides are banned in California, the state could potentially fine the retailer.

Washington, D.C. - The American people overwhelmingly oppose new legislation that lets states force tax collection obligations on Internet purchases made from businesses outside their borders.

Pittsburgh – Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc. will open a new store in El Paso, Texas, on Sept. 20.

The El Paso location at The Fountains of Farah will be the retailer's 20th store in the state of Texas and its 532nd nationwide. The new store will feature more than 40 in-store services performed by Dick’s certified pros.

Plano, Texas – Rent-A-Center is opening a new store at 1611 Blue Hill Avenue in the Mattapan neighborhood of Boston today.

Rent-A-Center operates 70 locations in the state of Massachusetts and more than 3,000 stores in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada, and Mexico. The company employs more than 21,000 workers.

New York – David Yurman opens a new boutique at The Somerset Collection in Troy, Mich., today. Architectural firm Gabellini Sheppard Associates designed the 1,506-sq.-ft. location.

"As an American brand, we're proud to make a home for ourselves here in the Detroit Metro area." says David Yurman president Carol Pennelli. "Our partnership with Somerset Collection allows us to provide the luxury retail experience that is signature to David Yurman. We're thrilled to be in such extraordinary company."

Benicia, Calif. – Cycle Gear, Inc. has opened its first Indiana store on East 82nd Street in Indianapolis, near the Castleton Square Mall.

Cycle Gear will host a grand opening celebration weekend Sept. 20-22. Indianapolis is the latest in a recent run of store openings in the Midwest for Cycle Gear. The retailer, with more than 100 locations in 30 states, opened two stores in the Chicago area and one near Milwaukee earlier in the year.