Retail

Bentonville, Ark. – A regional class-action gender bias suit filed against Wal-Mart Stores in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida has reportedly been dismissed. According to Bloomberg, U.S, District Court Judge Robert N. Scola ruled that plaintiffs in the case had missed time limitations to file claims and that their claims were previously rejected in another gender bias case.

Toys “R” Us is preparing for the holiday season with plans to hire 45,000 employees to staff its stores and distribution centers nationwide. This number is basically flat from last year’s holiday staffing totals.

New York -- VeriFone Systems, a leading global secure electronic payments provider, named Paul Galant as CEO and elected him to its board of directors, effective Oct. 1.

Prior to joining VeriFone, Galant served as the CEO of Citigroup Inc.’s Enterprise Payments business. Before that, from 2009, Galant served as CEO of Citi Cards, heading Citigroup’s North American and International Consumer Credit Cards business.

Boston — Marketing analytics firm Dunnhumby Tuesday announced it has launched Dunnhumby Ventures, an investment firm that will focus on financing retail technology start-ups.  

The company said the new venture will fund startup businesses that are embracing data for innovations along the consumer’s path to purchase. Average initial investments will be $100,000 to $500,000.

Littleton, Mass. – The board of directors and senior management of Dover Saddlery, Inc. have initiated a process to identify and consider a range of operational, financial and strategic alternatives to better pursue its growth strategy and that may accelerate the enhancement of value for the benefit of its stockholders.

New York -- The board of directors of Tiffany & Co. has appointed Frederic Cumenal to the position of president of Tiffany & Co. and also appointed him to a newly created seat on the company’s board. Cumenal, 54, who has been with Tiffany in a regional executive role since March 2011, will retain his regional responsibilities and will assume responsibility for the design, merchandising and marketing functions.

Kohl's is expanding its beauty offerings in cosmetics, skin care, bath and body, hair care, men’s skin care and fragrance, as competition within the beauty space continues heating up.

Wayne, N.J. – Toys “R” Us, Inc. plans to hire 45,000 employees to staff its stores and distribution centers nationwide for the upcoming holiday season. This number is basically flat from last year’s holiday staffing totals.