Corporate Governance

New York -- Toys “R” Us’ holiday 2012 plans include a “hot toy” reservation program, free and expanded layaway services and offering more exclusive toys from branded manufacturers along with more proprietary products. The nation’s largest specialty toy retailer also will open 150 to 200 temporary locations for the holidays under the Toys “R” Us Express banner.

Orlando, Fla. -- The nation’s chain retailers lead the nation when it comes to commercial solar energy use, according to a report released Wednesday by the Solar Energy Industries Association and Vote Solar Initiative advocacy group.

Baton Rouge, La. -- Cafeteria-style restaurant chain Piccadilly Restaurants filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Friday, citing a breakdown in talks with its lender Atalaya Capital Management.

Atalaya had recently purchased part of Piccadilly’s debt, which hasn’t been quantified by the chain.  

Piccadilly was given a commitment for debtor in possession financing of up to $5 million, providing the company with ample liquidity, Piccadilly said.

Denver -- Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage said Wednesday it plans to open seven new stores by March 2013, bringing the total count to 64 in 12 states.

In addition, the company said it has relocated and expanded one of its flagship Denver stores.

The seven new stores will be opened during the next six months in Sedona, Ariz.; Steamboat Springs, Colo.; Helena and Missoula, Mont.; Omaha, Neb.; and Denton and Lubbock, Texas.

Thorofare, N.J. -- Supply chain solution-provider Checkpoint Systems said Wednesday it has been chosen by Tesco to implement a global EAS program to improve on-shelf availability of products, open merchandising and the consumer shopping experience.

Bethesday, Md. -- ATM provider Allpoint Network, a Cardtronics affiliate, said Wednesday that it has entered Canada with its agreement with 7-Eleven Canada to host surcharge-free Allpoint Network ATMs in its more than 470 stores in the country.

Earlier this year, 7-Eleven named Cardtronics its exclusive ATM service provider in Canada.

New York -- The Jones Group Inc. said Wednesday it has appointed Kathy Nedorostek to the newly created position of group president, global footwear and accessories, effective mid-October.  

In her new position, Nedorostek will oversee footwear, handbags and jewelry for Jones Group.

Nedorostek arrives at Jones Group from Coach, where she was president of North America Wholesale and Global Licensing.

Matthews, N.C. -- Family Dollar Stores said Wednesday it plans to settle a class-action matter with more than 1,700 New York store managers who filed suit on claims of unpaid overtime wages.

The preliminary settlement provides for a maximum payment of $14 million by Family Dollar. Settlement terms are pending court approval, and the discounter plans to record a fourth quarter charge to cover the costs.

New York -- Microsoft Corp. will open 32 pop-up stores in the United States and Canada in time for the holiday shopping season.

Although the company did not say when the stores would open, it did provide a list of the locations, which include Roosevelt Field Mall, Garden, City, N,Y.; Time Warner Center: The Shops at Columbus Circle, New York City; Perimeter Mall, Atlanta; Oakridge Centre, Vancouver, B.C.; Dadeland Mall, Miami; and San Francisco Centre, San Francisco, to name a few.

New York -- Ritz Camera & Image LLC plans to go out of business after 94 years and close its remaining 137 stores after it failed in a bankruptcy auction to find a buyer to keep the camera chain afloat, the Chicago Tribune reported.

U.S. bankruptcy judge Kevin Gross in Wilmington, Del., approved a plan to turn over most of Ritz's assets to Gordon Brothers Retail Partners LLC and Hilco Merchant Resources LLC.