Corporate Governance

CHICAGO — Retail technology company ShopperTrak has acquired RapidBlue Solutions Oy, a leading European provider of retail data and analytics. 

The world of e-commerce is gearing up for the 9th annual Internet Retailer Conference and Exhibition, which will be held at Chicago’s McCormick Place West from June 4-7. This year's theme is "Breaking Barriers."

SAN FRANCISCO — Pottery Barn Kids, part of Williams-Sonoma’s brands portfolio, has launched its Summer Reading Challenge in partnership with PBS Kids. 

The challenge, which runs through August 26, is designed to promote a love of learning and literacy in kids and their families throughout the summer months. It also draws foot traffic into its brick and mortar stores, and is an exercise in brand awareness, as young children will recognize the brand and associate it with the reading challenge, making them potential future customers. 

WASHINGTON — U.S. consumer spending dropped 0.2% in April 2013, according to the Commerce Department.

It was the first monthly decline since May of last year and follows increases of 0.1% in March and 0.8% in February. Falling gas prices in April were part of the reason for the drop in spending, with purchases of gas, electricity and other energy goods and services down 4.4%.

In addition, increased Social Security deductions in consumer paychecks may have also contributed to the decline in spending.

SPARKS, Md. — McCormick & Company, a global manufacturer, marketer and distributor of spices, seasoning mixes and condiments, has acquired Wuhan Asia-Pacific Condiments Co. WAPC manufactures and markets the DaQiao and ChuShiLe brand of bouillon products, which have a leading position in the central region of China. 

CINCINNATI — Macy’s plans to open its second store in Puerto Rico in fall 2015.

The two-level, 150,000-sq.-ft. store will be located in the Plaza Del Caribe mall in Ponce. Construction is slated to begin next year and the store is expected to employ 275 associates.

BOCA RATON, Fla. — Office Depot has joined forces with boy band One Direction to raise money for an anti-bullying education program. The anti-bullying campaign is set to launch across the United States during the 2013 back-to-school season.

Starbucks Coffee Company is extending its indoor no-smoking policy to the outdoors. The company will prohibit anyone up to 25 feet from a Starbucks store from smoking, effective June 1, where permitted by its leases. 

The new rule will apply to the 7,000 shops owned and operated by Starbucks Corp., regardless of whether they have outdoor seating areas.