Corporate Governance

UNION, N.J. — The growth prospects of the nation’s leading home goods retailer is being questioned following a solid first quarter performance and weaker-than-expected outlook.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Kohl’s Department Stores is strengthening its commitment to renewable energy, by increasing its solar program by nearly 25% in 2012, installing solar panels at approximately 30 additional Kohl’s locations.

HERSHEY, Pa. — The Hershey Company  has named Leslie Turner SVP, general counsel and secretary, effective July 9.

In her new role, Turner will lead Hershey’s legal, government relations, corporate security and corporate secretary functions. She will report to John Bilbrey, president andCEO, The Hershey Company. She also will serve as a member of the company’s global leadership team.

IRVINE, Calif. — Vizio has agreed to let Curtis International Ltd., which sells digital televisions in the United States and Canada under the Curtis brand, become a licensee under Vizio's QAM patent portfolio. The parties have not disclosed financial terms of the agreement under which Curtis has agreed to make royalty payments to Vizio for sales of licensed products.

DAVENPORT, Iowa — Von Mauer may not be a household name in the retail world, but the Davenport, Iowa-based department store chain must be doing something right with its online business.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Hallmark has formed a strategic alliance with Shutterfly Inc., an Internet-based photo sharing company. The alliance, which will roll out in phases, includes co-branded online and retail-based product offerings.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target is taking “The Amazing Spider-Man” fan experience beyond the big screen with a selection of merchandise inspired by the summer action movie.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid maintained its same-store sales momentum, posting gains across front-end and pharmacy comparable sales for the sixth consecutive quarter: Overall same-store sales were up 2.5%, reflecting a 2.7% across the front-end and a 2.4% uptick across pharmacy, for the first quarter ended June 2.

Ideeli will be able to further expand its capabilities, thanks to a $30 million investment from Credit Suisse and current institutional investors. According to the company, the new capital will be used to strengthen its infrastructure and fuel the flash-sales retailer's growth prospects.

Week in and week out, Walmart wins on the pricing front with the biggest unknown being the magnitude of the spread between it and competitors, several reports out this confirmed.

Deb Weinswig at Citigroup looks at prices in three U.S. markets every two weeks and her most recent assessment showed Walmart beating Kroger by 12.1%, Safeway by 17.4%, Supervalu by 20.6% and Target by 4.8%.