Corporate Governance

New York-- Retail executives have more cash, are adding employees and enjoying stronger revenue, but they remain quite guarded longer term, not seeing a complete economic recovery until 2014 or later, according to the 2012 Retail Outlook Survey by audit, tax, and advisory firm KPMG LLP.

In the recent survey, 77% of retail executives indicate that their companies have significant cash on the balance sheet – up from 72% in KPMG's 2011 survey – and 56% say their companies' cash positions have increased from last year. 

Indianapolis -- Simon Property Group announced that it has acquired 50% of Silver Sands Factory Stores, an outlet shopping destination located in Destin, Florida. Howard Group, developer of the center, will remain 50% owner of the center. Simon will assume primary responsibility of leasing and management duties.

The 465,000-sq.-ft. Silver Sands center is home to over 100 stores including Ann Taylor Factory Store, Coach, Cole Haan, J.Crew, Kenneth Cole, Michael Kors, Nike and Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th.
 

Bowling Green, Ky. -- Pan-Oston was awarded the Domino’s Pizza Teamwork Award for 2011 at its annual Supplier Summit. The award was in recognition of Pan-Oston’s  teamwork and execution of the New Image Counters, which the supplier engineered, manufactured and delivered within 90 days to six stores.

This is the second award given to Pan-Oston by Domino’s Pizza, the first award being the prestigious Partner Award for 2007.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores on Monday released the tally of its shareholder vote on Friday in which all directors of its board reelected. The voting showed some dissent against key executives and board members, including CEO Mike Duke, in the wake of allegations of bribery in Mexico.

According to the tally, CEO Mike Duke received 87% of votes in favor of his re-election. In other results, Chairman Robson Walton, son of Sam Walton received 87% in favor of re-election, and former CEO Lee Scott received 84%.

Charlotte, N.C. -- Harris Teeter Supermarkets entered into an agreement with Lowe’s Food Stores whereby Harris Teeter will acquire 10 Lowes locations in the central Carolinas region and Lowes Foods acquiring six Harris Teeter store locations in western North Carolina.

In addition to the six Harris Teeter stores, Harris Teeter has agreed to pay Lowes Foods $26.5 million. The transaction is expected to be completed in the company’s third quarter of fiscal 2012, which ends July 1, 2012.

Beaumont, Texas -- Conn's Inc. said Monday its first-quarter net income more than doubled, and the retailer raised its outlook for the year.

The retailer earned $11.6 million for the three months ended April 30, compared with $4.4 million in the same period last year, which included some one-time costs for severance payments. Revenue increased 5% to $200.9 million from $192 million, as same-sales surged 17.8%.

Deerfield, Ill. -- Pharmacy benefits manager Express Scripts and Walgreens said Friday they are ending a legal dispute. However, the decision has no impact on their ability to agree to business terms.

Walgreens said last June that it would stop filling prescriptions for Express Scripts Holding Co. members when a contract between the companies expired. It said Express Scripts was not paying it enough money.

Union, N.J. -- Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. bought textile distributor Linen Holdings LLC in an all-cash transaction for approximately $105 million to boost its sourcing capabilities and gain access to new customers.

Based in Gibbsboro, N.J., Linen Holdings is a privately held distributor of bath, bed and table linens and other textile products to customers in the hospitality, cruise line, food service, health care and other industries.

PITTSBURGH — American Eagle Outfitters has named Mary Boland as EVP, chief financial and administrative officer, effective July 9. Boland’s responsibilities will include finance, investor relations, merchandise planning and allocation, strategy planning, and other administrative functions.

GRAPEVINE, Texas — GameStop customers outside of the United States will soon have access to the PlayStation Network's downloadable content from Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. This digital option will be available at more than 1,600 store locations in Australia, New Zealand, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Customers in those countries will have the ability to purchase DLC with any form of payment including trade credits, gift cards and cash.