Sales & Marketing

Vernon, Calif. -- True Religion Apparel said Wednesday it is evaluation strategic alternatives, which could include the sale of the company.

The denim manufacturer, which also operates about 140 retail stores, said it was contacted by interested third parties, which triggered the formation of a special committee to explore alternatives.

No timetable for a potential sale has been set.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Duncan Hines has introduced limited-edition flavors under its Frosting Creations line.

Evoking traditional, nostalgic holiday flavors and aromas, Duncan Hines already has introduced apple pie and pumpkin spice flavors to the market, followed by the debut of peppermint stick and gingerbread flavor mixes on Nov. 1.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores said Tuesday it is testing same-day delivery service in four markets over the holiday shopping season.

The service is being tested in northern Virginia, Philadelphia, Minneapolis and San Francisco/San Jose, Calif. Geared toward customers who buy popular items online during the holidays, the test includes about 5,000 items and builds on a same-day grocery delivery service the retailer launched in San Jose in April 2010 and tested in San Francisco in 2011.

San Antonio, Texas -- Steak n Shake said Tuesday it has signed its first international development agreement, which will bring the concept to the Middle East.

Steak n Shake has signed an exclusive area development agreement with the Saleh Bin Lahej Group to open 40 restaurants throughout the United Arab Emirates. This agreement represents the initial expansion of the brand outside the continental United States.

WILTON, Conn. — Beiersdorf, the U.S. subsidiary of Beiersdorf AG — a global skin care company based in Hamburg, Germany — has announced the appointment of Bill Graham as president and general manager of Beiersdorf North America.

Graham previously served as president and general manager of Beiersdorf. His new role includes leadership of both the United States and Canadian business units.
 
Graham was promoted to the position of general manager of Beiersdorf in August 2011, after joining the company as VP sales in 2007.

Rockford, Mich. -- Wolverine Worldwide said Tuesday it will complete its previously announced acquisition of Collective Brands' Performance + Lifestyle Group, which consists of the Sperry Top-Sider, Saucony, Stride Rite and Keds brands, for $1.24 billion.

The banners will become Wolverine’s largest operating group, adding more than $1 billion in revenue to Wolverine’s existing stable of brands such as Merrell and Hush Puppies.

CINCINNATI — Speaking at Procter & Gamble's annual meeting, chairman, president and CEO, Bob McDonald ensured investors that the company is executing on its growth and productivity plan to enhance performance and drive shareholder value.