Sales & Marketing

Seattle -- Nordstrom announced today it has entered into an agreement to acquire HauteLook, a leader in the online private sale marketplace. The company said the acquisition will enable Nordstrom to participate in the fast-growing private sale marketplace and provide a platform to increase innovation and speed in the way it serves customers in all channels.

CINCINNATI — Kroger said it is kicking off a year-long initiative to raise funds for armed forces members in partnership with the USO, the leading organization for morale-boosting programs and services for American troops and their families.

Kroger said the campaign will include in-store and online promotions and a text-to-give campaign that encourages Kroger customers to text "USO" to 27722 during the race to donate $10 to USO programs.

New York City -- Family Dollar Stores received a buyout offer on Tuesday from a New York hedge fund at $55 to $60 per share, a 36% premium over yesterday’s closing price. The offer, which values the company at up to $7.6 billion, was made by Trian Group, which is headed by activist investor Nelson Peltz.

Trian Group has been accumulating shares of the discount retailer in recent months, and Peltz has met with management to discuss ways to boost its performance.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway has introduced its new SimpleNutrition program, an in-store shelf tag system that makes it easier for shoppers to find better nutrition choices among foods and beverages. The SimpleNutrition green shelf tags on qualifying items are located throughout the store next to Safeway’s everyday low prices and club card specials.

Dallas -- PeopleAnswers and Regis Corp. have announced a software licensing agreement for Regis to use PeopleAnswers as its new talent assessment software for selecting and hiring salon stylists and managers. The expected results are decreased turnover, increased customer visits and sales as well as lower operating costs.

Santa Monica, Calif. -- Real estate broker Scott P. Lifschultz announced he has formed SPL Realty Partners, a retail real estate brokerage and consulting company.

Current clients include CVS/pharmacy, Dean & Deluca, LandMark Retail Group, Johnny Was, Casual Male Retail Group and Destination XL. Based in Santa Monica, Calif., the company’s services include tenant representation, strategic planning, site selection, transaction management, owner representation, leasing & marketing, consulting and investment sales.

New York City -- The founders of BJ’s Restaurants plan launch a new fast-casual concept this spring that will allow customers to order and customize their meals from tabletop iPads, USA Today reported.

By Kenneth A. Gruskin, [email protected]