Corporate Governance

Canton, Mass. -- Dunkin' Donuts announced the signing of a multi-unit store development agreement with father and son team, Jim and Drew Cownie for 12 new restaurants in Des Moines, Iowa.

The first restaurant is slated to open in 2012 and the remainder by 2018.

Secaucus, N.J. -- Syms Corp. said that its stock will be delisted as of November 15, 2011 and that Nasdaq will file a Form 25-NSE with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which will remove the company’s securities from listing and registration on the Nasdaq.

This decision by Nasdaq comes following Syms announcement on November 2, 2011 that it and its subsidiaries filed petitions for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.
 

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Members of the military can enjoy savings at Sam's Club with the introduction of a new membership offering.

The retailer said that when military personnel — including those active or retired, their spouses and civilian military employees — join or renew as an advantage member or advantage plus member, the company will provide them with a $15 Sam's Club gift card to each primary membership.

Proof of military identification is required and the offer cannot be combined with any other membership offers, Sam's Club noted.

SAN FRANCISCO — Williams-Sonoma has acquired Rejuvenation Inc. for an undisclosed price, the company announced last week. Rejuvenation Inc., is a manufacturer of such products as door and cabinet hardware as well as reproduction lighting that is sold through its catalog, website and retail stores in Portland, Ore., Seattle, Wash., and Los Angeles.

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. — Dollar General announced that is honoring men and women who have served our country in the military with a special Veterans Day discount. On Friday, Nov. 11, all veterans, active duty military, National Guard and Reserve and their immediate families will receive a 10% discount at Dollar General stores. Shoppers at www.dollargeneral.com will also be eligible to receive 10% off their purchase Nov. 11 through Nov. 13 using the code VETERANSDAY at checkout.

NEW YORK — Barnes & Noble announced that it has introduced Nook Tablet, the latest product in its Nook portfolio. According to the company, the Nook Tablet offers access to popular movies, TV shows, music and more through the top entertainment services, including Netflix, Hulu Plus, Pandora and others, plus a collection of high-quality apps, fast Web browsing and email.

MINNEAPOLIS — Best Buy Co. said Monday it is buying out its joint venture partner, Carphone Warehouse Group PLC, in its fast-growing North American mobile business for $1.34 billion. As part of the reorganization of its relationship with the U.S. consumer electronics giant, Carphone Warehouse will shutter the 11 pilot big-box Best Buy stores it opened last year in the United Kingdom.

NEW YORK — The ways in which the largest U.S. retail brands address the needs of their customers on Facebook and Twitter were unveiled last week in a white paper — Safeway and Sears topped charts; Costco, Kmart, Kroger and Walmart were found wanting, according to Conversocial, a software company that develops social media tools.

Target said it plans to close stores in Broomfield, Colo., Raleigh, N.C., Orlando and Portland by the end of its fiscal year in late January.

The low single-digit apparel-and-accessories comps increase Target reported in October put the company squarely in the middle of the pack with department store and specialty apparel competitors.