Corporate Governance

Leading cloud services provider Akamai Technologies strengthened its ability to protect the Internet with the acquisition of security solutions firm Prolexic.

Williamsville, N.Y. -- Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in upstate New York, Northern Pennsylvania, and Western Vermont, announced that the previously announced acquisition of Tops Holding II by a group of senior managers of the company led by Tops president and CEO, Frank Curci, closed on Dec. 1.

The right elements can promote cleanliness, operating efficiency — and customer loyalty

It pays for retail management to take a good look at their restrooms.

A recent national survey about public hand-washing behavior reveals that restrooms represent a powerhouse of customer perception and influence. According to the survey conducted by Bradley Corporation, 73% of consumers believe a bad rest-room indicates poor management of a business. 

In addition:

Bitcoin, the nearly anonymous, peer-to-peer online currency, has been getting attention lately. The attention has not been necessarily positive, as bitcoin was the preferred currency of the recently closed down Silk Road “darknet” site that served as a virtual global marketplace for narcotics and other illegal goods.

Kimberly-Clark Professional has named Tim Feeheley as VP of Kimberly-Clark Professional North America. Feeheley succeeds Richard Thorne, who recently was chosen to lead Kimberly-Clark Professional's Asia-Pacific Region.

Location: 8801 Queens Blvd., Forest Hills, N.Y.

Size: 445,000 sq. ft.

Developer: Forest City Ratner Cos.

Major tenants: Target, Best Buy, Macy’s Furniture, DSW, Skechers, Outback Steakhouse, Red Lobster

Status: Opened in 2001

San Francisco – West Elm is scheduled to open the company's first U.K. store in London on Dec. 5. The 12,000-sq.-ft. store will feature furniture, textiles, accessories and gifts, as well as a West Elm Market shop-in-shop and coffee shop. The store will employ 30 full- and part-time sales associates.

The London store will include a Local Gallery Wall featuring art from U.K. artists sourced through Etsy, the online marketplace for handmade or vintage items. The wall is curated by Will Taylor of the blog Bright.Bazaar.

Regional department store operator Gordmans Stores said its fourth quarter same store sales are likely to decline in the mid-single digits after it reported a 6.1% drop in comps for the third quarter ended November 2.

Despite the comp decline, Gordman’s total sales at its 93 stores increased 5.8% to $151.3 million from $143.1 million due to the addition of 10 new stores in the prior nine months. Net income for the third quarter was $1.1 million, or six cents a share, compared to net income of $4 million, or 21 cents a share, last year.