Corporate Governance

New York – Business-to-consumer e-commerce sales are expected to reach $14.7 trillion globally in 2014, up about 20% from $1.23 trillion in 2013. According to a new study from EMarketer, this figure will gradually increase to almost $2.36 trillion in 2018.

Chesapeake, Va. - In a merger that will shake up the dollar store retail vertical, Dollar Tree is acquiring Family Dollar for $8.5 billion in cash and stock. The resulting company will operate more than 13,000 locations in the U.S. and Canada, with an annual sales volume of $18 billion.

The National Retail Federation (NRF), Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), Food Marketing Institute (FMI), Merchant Advisory Group, National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), National Grocers Association and National Restaurant Association (NRA) are jointly calling for an open and universal tokenization standard in the U.S. payments system.

The groups released a statement saying payment card data is currently vulnerable to theft where card information is swiped or entered, where card information is stored, and where it is transmitted.

Savannah, Ga. - Bill Bishop has been named VP of real estate and development of convenience store chain Parker’s, a new position for the company. He will work with president and CEO Greg Parker on the company’s strategic real estate negotiations and acquisitions, citing research and permitting coordination with local officials.

The Children's Place has announced that Lou Lipschitz, a member of its board of directors and chair of the audit committee, has died.

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend, colleague and trusted advisor Lou Lipschitz. Lou's financial leadership, and passion for our business, enriched our company and our board, and we will dearly miss his dedication, grace and wonderful sense of humor," Norman Matthews, The Children's Place chairman of the board, said.

Secaucus, N.J. - The Children's Place Inc. has announced that Lou Lipschitz, a member of its board of directors and chair of the Audit Committee, has passed away. Lipschitz served on the board of directors since 2008, and was the chair of the Audit Committee and a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance committees.

Prior to joining the Children’s Place board, Lipschitz served as the executive VP and CFO of Toys “R” Us Inc. from 1996 until his retirement in 2004.

By Charles Tendell, Azorian Cyber Security

Toronto – Staples Canada has launched its seasonal back-to-school center, Staples.ca/backtoschool, and a television and media campaign. The online center features tips for parents, teachers and students, and an e-marketplace.