Human Resources

Houston — Transwestern has announced that Amber Strang has joined the firm as executive managing director of tenant advisory services. In her newly created role, Strang will pursue multi-market business and work to enhance client services. Strang will also serve on Transwestern’s board of directors and executive committee.

Retailers tapping into technology to maximize in-store labor during the busiest season

Let the games begin.

Retailers are gearing up for the Super Bowl of the holiday-selling season, when stores generate up to 40% of their annual sales and boost their staffs in light of the heightened shopping spree.

As technology reshapes the retail landscape at a dizzying pace, it’s also advancing the art and science of aligning sales and traffic patterns with in-store labor — particularly crucial during the make-or-break winter selling period.

New York -- Starbucks Coffee Co. does not to plan to follow in the footsteps of some other companies that are cutting health insurance benefits or reducing employees working hours in anticipation of the U.S. Affordable Care Act, Reuters reported.

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. — Dollar General is teaming up with Procter & Gamble to honor the nation’s schools and teachers as part of the company’s Every Day Heroes program.

Through its “Success Starts Here” national marketing campaign, including an advertorial in Better Homes & Gardens, the program recognized Boone County High School in Florence, Ky., and one of its teachers, Kimberly Shearer.

Chicago -- Jones Lang LaSalle announced Monday it has acquired Means Knaus Partners, a Houston-based property management company as part of the firm's expansion in third-party property management.

The deal boosts Jones Lang LaSalle's portfolio of office space under management by 16 million sq. ft. of space with properties located primarily in Dallas, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Orlando, Fla., and Tampa, Fla.

CINCINNATI — As part of its efforts to expand its global footprint, Procter & Gamble is partnering with Habitat for Humanity to fund the construction, repair and cleaning of homes in 12 countries around the world. 

This commitment represents Habitat’s highest level of global volunteer engagement in a single year, with nearly 3,000 employees volunteering on more than 30 projects occurring around the world in 2013.

Columbus, Ohio – The board of directors of Big Lots, Inc. has retained director Russell Solt. Solt will also continue to serve as chairman of the compensation committee, which is composed entirely of independent non-executive directors.

J.C. Penney filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission late Monday that would allow for activist investor Bill Ackman to unload his entire stake in the company via a secondary stock offering.

According to the J.C. Penney’s filing, Ackman and various Pershing Square investment vehicles he controls plan to sell roughly 39 million shares representing 17.7% of the company’s 220.5 million outstanding shares.