Corporate Governance

New York -- American Express Co. has become the first company to pull its gift cards from being sold in New Jersey drug stores, supermarkets and convenience stores in response to a controversial new revision in the state's unclaimed property law. (The only way New Jersey residents can now buy AmEx gift cards is directly from the company.)

Norwalk, Conn. -- Emcor Group announced that its subsidiary, USM, has been awarded a three-year contract for integrated facilties management at 742 Ruby Tuesday-owned restaurants throughout the United States. 

Beaumont, Texas -- Conn’s Inc. reported Tuesday that it earned $7.7 million in the quarter ended Jan. 31, compared with a loss of $3.6 million in the year-ago period.

Revenue increased 3.7% to $226.7 million, beating Wall Street’s expected $221.4 million. Same-store sales surged 12.1%.
   
The company said it is on track with its store opening plans, which calls for five to seven stores in new markets this year.

St. Petersburg, Fla. -- HSN announced Monday it has acquired lifestyle brand Chasing Fireflies. Terms of the transaction weren’t disclosed.

The purchase, which was made through the multichannel retailer’s Cornerstone Brands segment, will accelerate HSN’s move into content-driven lifestyle businesses.

Seattle -- Starbucks Coffee Co. said Tuesday that Google Offers and Banana Republic are joining with Starbucks and Opportunity Finance Network to support the Create Jobs for USA program.

The pair, which are the first businesses to join Starbucks in the initiative, will run special promotions and make donations in support of the program that is designed to raise money to put Americans back to work.

Indianapolis -- Mall owner Simon Property Group said Tuesday that Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th will anchor the company’s two new centers in development in its Premium Outlets division: Phoenix Premium Outlets and St. Louis Premium Outlets.

Phoenix Premium Outlets in Chandler, Ariz., is currently under construction with a spring 2013 opening planned. Phase 1 of the center will be comprised of 360,000 sq. ft. housing approximately 90 outlet stores featuring high-quality designer and name brands.

Providence, R.I. -- Verizon said Tuesday it has officially opened its first tri-lingual FiOS retail store, where employees are ready to serve customers in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. The store is located in Providence, R.I.

“Having employees in our store who speak Spanish and Portuguese will enhance the experience for our customers," Susan Retta, VP marketing for Verizon, said.

Employees at the new Verizon FiOS store will be able to help FiOS customers with questions about their FiOS Internet, TV and voice service.

Watsonville, Calif. -- West Marine said Tuesday that its president and CEO Geoff Eisenberg will resign once a new chief is appointed.

Following a leadership transition period, Eisenberg will serve as a special advisor to the West Marine board of directors.

West Marine has already initiated the search for a new CEO. No reason has been given for Eisenberg’s departure.
 

MINNEAPOLIS — Target has brought in someone with both advertising and retail experience to oversee its marketing efforts. The company announced that Jeffrey Jones, II has been named as the company’s EVP and chief marketing officer, effective immediately. 

HOUSTON — Specialty apparel and accessories retailer Charming Charlie has appointed four retail executives as part of the ongoing development of the company’s internal structure and another step in its ongoing national expansion, including the opening of 60 retail locations in 2012.