Corporate Governance

Walmart’s strategy of every day low prices underpinned by an every day low cost operating model will work everywhere in the world, according to international division president and CEO Doug McMillon.

Responding to a question about improving international financial returns, McMillon weighed in on the need to deliver on the strategy of every day low prices on a broad assortment and how that is the right approach internationally in large format stores.

Orlando, Fla. — The Global Market Development Center has awarded Jerry Brown its 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award. The honor was given on June 3 during the “Dinner with the Chairman” at the 42nd Annual 2012 General Merchandise Conference in Orlando, Fla.

Walmart shareholders upset by allegations of Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations expressed their displeasure with the Walmart board by casting an unusually large number of negative votes against company insiders last Friday.

Several major shareholders had vowed to vote against key board members in advance of the annual shareholders’ meeting, although the move was seen as largely symbolic since the Walton family and other company insiders control a sufficient number of shares to ensure the defeat or passage of any proposal.

UNION, N.J. — Bed Bath & Beyond has expanded its business with the all cash acquisition of Linen Holdings, LLC for approximately $105 million.  Based in Gibbsboro, New Jersey, Linen Holdings LLC is a privately-held, value-added distributor of bath, bed and table linens, other textile products and amenities to customers in the hospitality, cruise line, food service, health care and other industries.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Sports Authority has launched its first-ever customer loyalty program, The League, which offers members 5% back on their total point balances of 100 points or more earned quarterly. 

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Catalina Marketing named Michael Murray to the newly created role of chief product officer.

CINCINNATI — Kroger has joined other food retailers in moving towards a policy of only offering products made from gestation-crate-free pigs. The company announced that it has begun informing suppliers of a new policy statement regarding gestation crates that are used to house pregnant sows.

Seattle -- Starbucks Coffee Co. is looking to expand its food business. The chain has entered into an agreement to acquire San Francisco-based Bay Bread and its La Boulange bakery brand, as well as to hire its well-known French baker, Pascal Rigo. The cash deal is valued at $100 million.

Englewood, Col. -- Sports Authority has announced the launch of its first-ever customer rewards program, The League, which offers members 5% back on their total point balances of 100 points or more earned quarterly.

The program offers one of the highest reward funding rates, as well as the lowest reward threshold amongst leaders in the full-line sporting goods retail industry, allowing members qualify for rewards sooner, the retailer said.
 

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Sears Holdings said that Scott Huckins will join the company as VP and corporate treasurer.

Huckins comes to Sears Holdings from RSC Holdings where he served as VP and treasurer, responsible for global treasury, credit and investor relations activities.