Retail

New York -- Target Corp. has added its name to a legal defense of gay marriage. The move comes four years after the company was criticized for supporting a strident opponent of same-sex unions.

Target signed a court brief backing marriage equality in a pending court case and publicly declared its support of gay marriage, joining the likes of Starbucks, Apple and Intel.

Pasadena, Calif. - Mobile payments company Wipit Inc has developed a new omni-channel payment technology designed to allow in-app barcode payments at retail point-of-sale. This technology compliments Wipit's existing network branded GPR card, in-app services, and e-commerce payment options from a prepaid cash mobile wallet.

London - Nook Media LLC, a subsidiary of Barnes & Noble Inc., has launched its new Nook GlowLight e-reader in the U.K. The new Nook GlowLight features perfectly-lit pages, sharper text and advanced display technology, and can hold up to 2,000 books.

The Nook GlowLight will be available starting Aug. 6 at Argos, Asda, Blackwells, Foyles, John Lewis, Sainsburys and Very.

Deerfield, Ill. — Walgreens on Wednesday said it has exercised its option to buy the remaining 55% of European pharmacy retailer and wholesaler Alliance Boots in a $15.26 billion deal that will keep the drug store chain's corporate tax headquarters in the United States. Walgreens said it is not in the best long-term interest of its shareholders to re-domicile outside the United States.

Discount grocer Aldi, Costco and Walmart were recognized as the nation’s low price grocery leaders in a recent study conducted by Market Force Information.

It was the fourth consecutive year Aldi has received the low price distinction in the survey conducted by Market Force, a leading customer intelligence solutions firm. When asked to rank the top grocers offering low prices, the 6,200 consumers who participated in the study ranked Aldi first, Costco second and Walmart third. Aldi president Jason Hart was quick to take a victory lap.

New York – Macy’s is launching an online wedding promotion in partnership with TV host and fashion consultant Clinton Kelly. Known as “Weddings with Clinton Kelly,” the promotion will include an online wedding hub with a collection of articles and videos to help build the perfect registry, as well as advice from Kelly.

Dallas — Venture Commercial, an X Team International partner, has completed a lease to bring a 16,000-sq.-ft. Ace Hardware store to Spring Creek Village, located at 7989 Belt Line Road on the northwest corner of Belt Line and Coit Road in north Dallas. 

Ace Hardware joins other Spring Creek tenants Just Fitness, Polly DuPont, Citi Bank, and Black-Eyed-Pea.

Toys“R”Us has appointed Chetan Bhandari as the company’s SVP, corporate finance and treasurer. He will report to EVP and CFO Mike Short.