Corporate Governance

The holiday season is competitive on many fronts, including which retailer plans to hire the most seasonal workers.

Tractor Supply Company president and COO Greg Sandfort will succeed James Wright as CEO of the 1,135 store chain effective January 1.

During a year that saw Dollar General open its 10,000th store and AutoZone opens its 5,000th store, rent-to-own retailer Aaron’s has opened its 2,000th location.

The Atlanta-based retailer specializing in the sales and lease ownership of residential furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, designated a store in the Bronx, New York as its 2,000th location.

Ocean Spray, the world's largest cranberry cooperative, has opened a new $26 million state-of-the-art cranberry receiving station facility in Richmond, British Columbia.

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. — Walgreens’ fiscal fourth quarter net income fell 55% compared with a year ago when the drugstore operator recorded a big business sale gain. However, its adjusted earnings still beat analysts’ expectations.

Walgreen earned $353 million for the quarter ended Aug. 31, compared with $792 million a year ago. On an adjusted basis, Walgreen earned $553 million versus $599 million a year earlier. Adjusted earnings excluded acquisition-related costs and costs related to inventory.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears customers can now engage the services of Jackson Hewitt for tax preparation for the 2013 season.

Seattle -- Sears Holdings Corp. strengthened its environmental commitment with the rollout of 27 new Roush CleanTech Ford E-250 cargo vans fueled by propane autogas, to be deployed in the Sears Home Services fleet in Seattle for in-home service and repair visits.

Lincoln, Neb. -- Nebraska Book Co. said Friday it has hired Bill Zeuch as senior VP merchandising and marketing for the 250-unit chain of college bookstores, effective Oct. 3.

Zeuch is the former senior VP merchandising, marketing and sales new channels at OfficeMax.

In his position with Nebraska Book Co., he will focus on merchandising, branding and selling initiatives to expand assortments and grow long-term market share.

Deerfield Beach, Fla. -- Walgreens’ fiscal fourth quarter net income fell 55% compared with a year ago when the drugstore operator recorded a big business sale gain. However, its adjusted earnings still beat analysts’ expectations.

Walgreen earned $353 million for the quarter ended Aug. 31, compared with $792 million a year ago. On an adjusted basis, Walgreen earned $553 million versus $599 million a year earlier. Adjusted earnings excluded acquisition-related costs and costs related to inventory.

New York -- Starbucks Coffee Co. will open stores across the Scandinavian region in a partnership with Umoe Restaurant Group AS, a leading chain of service establishments in Scandinavia.

The first locations are expected to open in 2013 in Sweden and Norway.

Michelle Gass, president, Starbucks Europe, Middle East and Africa commented: “We are proud to increase our presence in Scandinavia as part of our growth strategy in Europe, Middle East and Africa, and further develop stores where our customers want and expect us to be