Corporate Governance

Former president of Giant-Landover, Anthony Hucker, has joined Schnuck Markets as EVP and chief strategy officer.

Hucker recently resigned as president of Giant-Landover, a chain owned by Ahold USA that runs 169 stores in the District of Columbia and surrounding areas.

"Anthony is a tremendous talent who shares our values; he's customer-focused and a true merchant in every sense," Schnucks chairman and CEO Scott Schnuck said. "We expect that he will add velocity to efforts that will ensure Schnucks' continued growth and success."

Seattle – Starbucks Corporation has reportedly applied to trademark the term “Fizzio.” According to the Associated Press, the trademark would cover beverage-making machines as well as beverages, including soft drinks.

A Starbucks spokesperson is quoted as saying the filing with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is related to tests of flavored sodas and other carbonated beverages in the Austin, Texas, and Atlanta markets the retailer has been running since June, which so far have been successful.

J.C. Penney is looking to raise $750 million to $1 billion in cash equity. According to Reuters, J.C. Penney, which is valued at $2.6 billion, is considering issuing new stock shares as well as other unspecified alternatives.

New York -- British lifestyle brand Holland & Holland is launching its U.S. e-commerce site today. This interactive e-commerce site will allow Holland & Holland clothing, fashion accessories, gifts and shooting accoutrement to be available for purchase for the first time nationwide.

eBay is in the process of acquiring Braintree, an innovative global payment platform powering online and mobile-first startups, for approximately $800 million in cash.

New York -- Canada’s Loblaw Cos. announced a series of executive appointments, including the naming of Mark Butler as executive VP integration.

In the newly created role, Butler will take on responsibility for planning the integration of Shoppers Drug Mart, while ensuring it remains an independent division. He has 37 years with Loblaw, and most recently was executive VP conventional division.

New York -- J.C. Penney on Thursday shot back at reports that its sales were weak in the late August and early September back-to-school season and said it was pleased with the progress of its turnaround efforts.

The company said it still expected positive comparable-store sales trends coming out of the third quarter and throughout the fourth, adding that its online sales continue to rise in double-digits over last year.

Auburn, Ala. — Toomer’s Coffee Company and Auburn Rays have each leased 1,400 sq. ft. in Hamilton Place Shopping Center in Auburn, Ala., according to Pine Tree Commercial, which owns the property in partnership with Privet Investments LLC and Silverpeak Real Estate Partners.

The Shopping Center Group represented the landlord in the transaction.