Mass Merchant

CAMDEN, N.J. — A former Walmart VP has joined Campbell Soup as its VP corporate development.

In this new role, Raymond Liguori will be responsible for Campbell's efforts in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, strategic alliances and joint ventures. He will report to Craig Owens, Campbell's CFO and chief administrative officer.

For all the talk of inflation this year, whether it is the price of cotton or the cost of food, Easter won’t cost any more this year than last year for shoppers who are selective in their purchases at Target.

Houston -- Men's Wearhouse announced Monday that company president and COO Douglas S. Ewert will succeed founder George Zimmer as president and COO, effective June 15.

According to the retailer, the transition is part of a previously announced succession plan.

Ewert, 47, has been nominated by the board to be elected as a director of the company at the annual shareholder meeting and will be included in the list of nominees in the proxy statement for consideration by the shareholders.

The iPad is an amazing product that offers a wonderful user experience, which is why everyone wants one. It also doesn’t hurt that retailers of all types have become quite aggressive in their promotional efforts on behalf of Apple, since the popular device makes a meaningful contribution to sales in addition to providing those retailers who feature the device with some of that Apple “it” factor.

Boynton Beach, Fla. -- Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group announced that Stardust Arcade, an adult penny redemption arcade, has opened at Boynton Beach Mall, in Boynton Beach, Fla.

The 10,000-sq.-ft. space features 150 machines within a Las Vegas-style setting showcasing faux Roman columns, marble details and hand-painted Greek themed murals created by Florida Atlantic University’s Arts Professor Jim Crane and his fine art students.

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- 3M announced that it has launched the first-of-its kind Scotch Magic Eco-Friendly Tape.

Scotch Magic Eco-Friendly Tape (including refillable dispenser, packaging and tape) is made from more than 75% renewable or recycled materials, the company reported. The boxed refill roll, including packaging, is made from more than 65% renewable or recycled materials. 

Matthews, N.C. -- Family Dollar Stores announced Monday that it has named Brad Rogers to the position of VP real estate development.

Rogers will report to Keith Gehl, senior VP real estate and facilities.

Rogers began his career at Family Dollar in 1998 as real estate manager. Since joining the company, he has held additional roles in the real estate division, most recently serving as regional VP of the real estate portfolio and new stores.
 

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores said Monday it is acquiring Mountain View, Calif.-based social media company Kosmix to help strengthen its social and mobile commerce.
 
Wal-Mart, which has not disclosed the terms of the transaction, said it is interested in a social media technology platform Kosmix has developed that filters and organizes content in social networks to connect people with information that may be of interest to them.