Retail

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Insite Software, a leading provider of B2B e-commerce platforms and shipping solutions, has appointed David Ricketts as its SVP of sales.

Ricketts has more than 15 years of experience in software sales management, working with retailers, wholesalers, manufactures, distributors and consumer packaged goods companies to expand sales revenues via B2B and B2C e-commerce, omnichannel commerce and mobile, social and tablet commerce.

Troyes, France – Lacoste is establishing an online presence in Greater China using a new multichannel commerce solution from Accenture that features Demandware as the core digital commerce platform. Under terms of the agreement, Accenture has designed and built Lacoste’s online store and will continue to manage the operations of its online business in China.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Limited has appointed former Brooks Brothers executive Diane Ellis as the company’s CEO, effective August 26.

Ellis was president and chief operating officer of Brooks Brothers for six years. She oversaw information technology, human resources, retail and outlet stores, planning and allocation, product development, sourcing, supply chain, e-commerce and finance.

New York  — New Street Realty Advisors has announced two recent transactions:

Walmart may make a bid for 345 store Hong Kong supermarket chain known as ParknShop that is owned by Hutchison Whampoa, according to a Reuters report that cited people familiar with the matter.

Walmart is often linked to international retailers as a potential acquirer and according to the Reuters report it is among eight potential suitors for ParknShop who have until August 16 to submit preliminary offers.

Washington, D.C. -- In a settlement agreement with the U.S. Labor Department, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has agreed to improve safety conditions for employees who use trash compactors and cleaning chemicals at 2,857 Walmart and Sam’s Club stores in 28 states.

The retailer will also pay a $190,000 fine to fix hazards uncovered during an Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspection at a store in Rochester, N.Y.
 

Canton, Mass. -- Dunkin' Donuts said it will open eight new restaurants in Rochester, N.Y., via a multi-unit store development agreement executed with existing franchisee Luis Ribeiro.

Ribeiro currently owns 25 of the 61 Dunkin' Donuts in the Greater Rochester area.  

"We expect 10 to 20 new Dunkin' Donuts restaurants to open in Rochester over the next few years," said Grant Benson, VP franchising and business development, Dunkin' Brands.

Boca Raton, Fla. – Office Depot sent its shareholders a letter this morning urging them to vote for its 10 nominees for the board of directors at its annual shareholders meeting on Aug. 21. The letter says that nominees from activist investor Starboard Value LP could disrupt progress and momentum in the ongoing OfficeMax merger and also prevent future synergies from the merger as well as make excessive cuts in critical business functions.

Officer Depot sent a similar letter to its shareholders on July 29.