Sales & Marketing

Allen, Texas -- Forte Payment Systems is launching Forte Checkout, an intuitive platform for online payment acceptance that supports electronic check in addition to credit and debit card payment methods. Forte Checkout integrates seamlessly and securely to applications that need payment handling capabilities.

Mars is in the process of buying the Iams, Eukanuba, and Natura brands from P&G for $2.9 billion in cash. Mars Petcare said the strategic move complements its growing global Petcare business.

The companies expect to complete the transaction in the second half of 2014, subject to regulatory approvals.

Niwot, Colo. -- Crocs Inc. has opened its first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified store, in Syracuse, N.Y. As detailed in Crocs’ new 2013 sustainability report, the store is certified at the LEED Silver level and features a high-efficiency LED lighting system and low-VOC and sustainable building materials.

Despite difficult weather conditions during the peak holiday season, Dollarama enjoyed an increase in sales, net earnings and earnings per share for the fourth quarter ended Feb. 2.

"Fourth quarter and full-year financial results came out strong despite the adverse impact of severe weather conditions on store traffic, particularly in December, during our peak sales period. While not as severe, weather conditions did remain challenging for the remainder of the winter season," stated Larry Rossy, chairman and CEO of Dollarama.

Walnut Creek, Calif. — John Cumbelich & Associates, a San Francisco Bay Area-based commercial real estate firm, has announced the sale of 1280 Willow Pass, a 73,167-sq.-ft. shopping center in Concord, Calif.

X Team International partner, John Cumbelich & Associates, represented both the buyer and the seller in the transaction, which attracted multiple offers.

Bumble Bee Foods has selected celebrity chef Doreen Colondres as the brand’s exclusive chef partner and brand ambassador. Colondres is a leading figure in today’s “Latin kitchen” movement and creator of the brand and website the Kitchen Doesn’t Bite.

Atlanta -- Miller Zell has named James Warner VP of digital innovation, responsible for driving integrated experiences, digital brand engagements and relevant technology solutions into the overall shopper journey.

Previously Warner worked with W3 Design, Momentum Worldwide and Moxie Interactive, where he led consumer-centric design and technology development for tier one retailers and global brands such as Coca-Cola, Nokia, Verizon, Red Bull North America, American Express, 20th Century Fox and Nike.