Mass Merchant

New York -- After nearly three weeks of testimony, a New York State Supreme Court Judge ordered Macy's, J.C. Penney Co. and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia into mediation to try and reach a settlement in their contract dispute trial.
 
If the three companies do not reach an agreement before April 8, the judge will resume hearing the case.
 
In another development in the ongoing dispute, Penney agreed not to sell certain Martha Stewart-designed goods (products deemed exclusive to Macy’s) until at least April 8.

New York -- Leslie Dach, EVP corporate affairs for Wal-Mart Stores, will step down in June. The retailer, which announced the news in a memo to employees, said it is actively searching for a replacement. The news was first reported by Politico.

"Leslie has played a pivotal role in helping us understand the broader role Walmart can play in meeting the major challenges facing society today, and social goals are now an integral part of how we run our business," Wal-Mart chief executive Mike Duke in the memo.

A new smartphone app Walmart unveiled to suppliers on Thursday has the potential to drive improved in-stock levels and increase associate efficiency.

CHICAGO — Morton Salt on Thursday introduced a new line of Natural Epsom salt products, marking its first foray into the health and beauty category.

"The Epsom salt category has seen sustained growth over the past few years, presenting an opportunity for Morton Salt to begin leveraging its ubiquitous brand equity with the health and beauty shopper," stated Carol Panozzo, VP consumer products sales and marketing at Morton Salt.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart has launched an online destination on Walmart.com that gives shoppers who want to buy unique and interesting products the opportunity to do so while supporting small women-owned businesses around the world. At launch, Empowering Women Together will offer shoppers more than 200 items from 19 businesses in nine countries.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores on Thursday launched a new section on its website dedicated to products from small, women-owned businesses around the world.  

More than 200 items from 19 businesses in nine countries are featured in the new "Empowering Women Together" section of Walmart.com. The launch comes a day before International Women's Day.

Ewing, N.J. -- North Plainfield, N.J.-based Levin Management Corp. said Wednesday that Dollar Tree will open a store at Capitol Plaza, located in Ewing, N.J. The 13,810-sq.-ft. store is slated to open in the spring.
 
As well, a newly expanded Center for Allied Health & Nursing Education will celebrate its grand reopening at Capitol Plaza in March. The nursing school will be renamed Jersey College School of Nursing; it tripled its space to 30,000 sq. ft. in the shopping center, which is leased and managed by Levin.
 

Boston -- Boston-based The Wilder Cos. announced Wednesday that PetSmart will grand-open its new store on March 9 at Wilder’s Rochester Crossing, N.H., shopping center.

The opening of the 12,000-sq.-ft. store will bring the shopping center to 100% occupancy.

Rochester Crossing, at 304,500 sq. ft., also feature Kohl’s, Lowe’s, Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft, GameStop, Tropical Smoothie and Buffalo Wild Wings.