Financial/Banking

New York -- On Thursday, in a move that could shape the minimum wage debate, Walmart announced it was raising the minimum wage of its employees to $10 per house, which is significantly higher than the Federal minimum wage. The news has met with a mixed reaction.  

Here's a sampling:
 
CNBC reports that Wall Street gives Walmart a big thumbs down for the news.

Ann Inc. may be in talks with at least two potential buyers, according to a report this month from Bloomberg.

The $1.6 billion owner of the Ann Taylor and Loft women’s clothing stores said in an October regulatory filing it planned to review strategic options and that it is working with JPMorgan Chase & Co.

New York – Ann Inc., parent of Ann Taylor and Loft. is reportedly working with financial firm JPMorgan Chase & Co. on a potential sale. According to Bloomberg, the $1.6 billion Ann Inc. has spoken with other retail chains and at least two buyout firms and a private equity firm.

Boston -- Gordon Brothers Group, a global advisory, restructuring and investment firm specializing in the retail, consumer products, industrial and real estate sectors, announced the appointment of Ian Levine as managing director, head of business development, and Blair Nelson as managing director, corporate development, to Gordon Brothers Group’s management team.

Ann Inc. may be in talks with at least two potential buyers, according to a report this month from Bloomberg.

The $1.6 billion owner of the Ann Taylor and Loft women’s clothing stores said in an October regulatory filing it planned to review strategic options and that it is working with JPMorgan Chase & Co.

San Francisco – The mobile payment market continues to heat up. On the heels of Samsung’s news that it will acquire mobile payment firm LoopPay, Visa Inc. announced it is expanding its online payment service, Visa Checkout. The financial services giant said the digital checkout service, which launched in three markets in summer 2014, will be available in a total of 16 markets by the end of 2015.

New York – Foot Locker Inc. is investing in the future. The company’s board of directors has approved a $220 million capital expenditure program for 2015, maintaining the level of investment in the business that Foot Locker initiated in 2013.

In recent years, the Foot Locker has invested in a variety of strategic growth initiatives, including new store formats, continued expansion of its European banners, capabilities in its direct-to-customer segment, and various technology initiatives.  

St. Paul, Minn. -- Paster Properties announced that John Kohler has joined the team as director of development, and Jason LaPlant has joined as accounting manager.

As director of development, Kohler is responsible for driving the firm’s new development efforts, as well as managing ongoing projects within Paster’s Twin Cities portfolio. In his role as accounting manager, LaPlant oversees the company’s day-to-day accounting activities, monthly financial reporting and lease administration.