Retail

The nation’s second largest dollar store chain may have rejected a buyout offer this week, but it struck a deal of another kind to help it grow sales of private brands.

Matthews, N.C. -- Family Dollar Stores launched its strategic alignment with Marketing Management, Inc. (MMI) in front of more than 100 key suppliers at the company's Private Brand Summit Thursday in Charlotte, N.C. Through this exclusive on-site alignment, MMI will assist Family Dollar with private brand sourcing, product development, category analytics, assortment strategy, quality assurance and customer insights.

WASHINGTON -- The National Retail Federation announced that it welcomed the House of Representatives' vote to repeal a provision in last year’s healthcare reform law that would widely expand the number of IRS 1099 tax forms businesses would be required to file.

New York City -- Harris Corp. and Digital Display Networks are bringing one of the largest digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising networks in the United States -- 7-Eleven TV -- to full nationwide deployment.

Dover, Del. -- The Delaware Supreme Court has rejected an appeal by billionaire Ron Burkle in a lawsuit challenging a poison pill plan adopted by Barnes & Noble after he doubled his stake in the company.

After hearing arguments Wednesday, the court on Thursday affirmed a judge's ruling last year upholding the poison pill plan, which limited a shareholder's stake in the company to 20%.

Pembroke Pines, Fla. -- Indianapolis-based Kite Realty Group said Thursday that five new tenants will open at Cobblestone Plaza, located in Pembroke Pines, Fla.

The center is anchored by Whole Foods, All Pets Emporium and Party City.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart said Thursday that it is increasing its annual dividend 21% on the back of strong earnings.

The retailer last month reported a 27% increase in fourth-quarter net income as it benefited from cost-cutting and strong international sales. Walmart said it will pay an annual dividend this year of $1.46, up from $1.21. It will pay quarterly dividends of 36.5 cents in April, June, September and January in fiscal 2012, which ends Jan. 31.

The next dividend will be paid on April 4 to shareholders of record on March 11.

Pompano Beach, Fla. -- Winn Dixie Stores has contracted Green Secure Solutions to clean, sanitize and protect shopping carts, hand baskets, handicap carts, food trays and other equipment at the grocer’s 484 stores.