Corporate Governance

Armonk, N.Y. – In-store sales of women’s clothing are expected to see a 9.2% increase in the third quarter of 2012 versus the year-ago period, according to a just-released IBM analytics-based forecast of U.S. retail sales data. The report predicts a 6.2% increase in sales of children’s clothing and a 5.2% increase in footwear. Men’s clothing, however, is forecast to lag, dropping 6.7%.

Orlando, Fla. -- Convenience-store operator WaWa has entered the Florida market, opening a store across from Sea World in Orlando. Four additional units are scheduled to open in the Orlando market during the next four five weeks.

Deerfield, Ill. -- After months of slumping sales following its split with Express Scripts Holding Co., Walgreens said it has forged a new multi-year contract with the prescription provider and will begin filling Express Scripts prescriptions on Sept. 15.

Walgreen had stopped filling prescriptions for Express Scripts after a contract between the companies ended last year. Express Scripts ended the contract because it said Walgreens wanted a premium compared to what Express Scripts paid other pharmacies.

Pleasanton, Calif. -- Safeway Inc. reported Thursday that profit for the second quarter dropped to $121.7 million from $146 million in the same period last year.

Sales inched up 1.9% to $10.4 billion, and same-store sales rose 0.8%.

For the year, Safeway said it expects to invest $900 million in capital expenditures to open approximately 10 new Lifestyle stores, complete 10 Lifestyle remodels, refurbish in-store pharmacies and develop properties through its Property Development Centers subsidiary.
 

Denver -- Quick-serve sandwich chain Quiznos announced that it has named Stuart Mathis as president and CEO, effective July 30.

The company also named Susan Lintonsmith as chief marketing officer.

Mathis was previously president of The UPS Store. He succeeds Greg MacDonald, who is stepping down as Quiznos' president and CEO, effective immediately. 

Lintonsmith was previously senior VP and CMO of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers.
 

Englewood, Colo. -- The Western Union Co. and Dollar General Corp. said that they have executed an agreement to begin offering two Western Union general-purpose reloadable prepaid cards at Dollar General’s more than 10,000 stores in 40 states.

Dollar General is now offering the Western Union MoneyWise and co-branded Western Union Telemundo cards.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Classrooms by Walmart is the name of a new social media initiative the retailer launched Tuesday to simplify back-to-school shopping for millions of moms who view the season as an opportunity for a fresh start.

Frank Rescigna is the new president of worldwide licensing at Guess? Inc.

In his new role Rescinga will report to Guess CEO and co-founder Paul Marciano. Rescinga previously served as president of Viva, a Guess eyewear licensee.

Frank Rescigna is the new president of worldwide licensing at Guess? Inc.

In his new role Rescinga will report to Guess CEO and co-founder Paul Marciano. Rescinga previously served as president of Viva, a Guess eyewear licensee.

PALO ALTO, Calif. — Macy's has launched a national rollout of Shopkick's location-based rewards application. Customers can now earn rewards, in shopkick’s cross-retail currency of “kicks”, just for walking in to more than 800 Macy’s stores nationwide, and instantly receive exciting exclusive deals and offers.