Supply Chain & Merchandising

Wayne, N.J. -- Toys “R” Us on Tuesday said that by the end of 2012 it will have opened eight new stores and remodeled 13 existing locations to the side-by-side Toys “R” Us/Babies “R” Us model.

The retailer said the 21 stores across 13 states are representative of its strategy to bring both concepts together in an integrated store format.

Lowe’s made an offer, but Rona refused.

The two North American home improvement giants will continue to operate as competitors in Canada, where Lowe’s has been growing organically for the past several years amid rumors that just such an acquisition play was in the cards.

LONDON — Unilever has put its North America frozen meals business on the sales block.

Minneapolis -- Supervalu Inc. said on Monday that its chairman Wayne Sales has been named president and CEO. He replaces Craig Herkert as CEO.

ATLANTA — Coca-Cola has streamlined its operating structure and the senior leaders for those businesses, the company said.

New York -- Lower cotton costs will boost the earnings of US retail apparel companies during the coming back-to-school season, according to a report by Moody's Investors Service.

The report, "Back to School: Lower Cotton Costs, Gas Prices Set Stage for Higher 3Q Earnings,” notes that for the third quarter overall, Moody's expects the apparel-makers' growth in earnings to outpace their growth in sales.

BURLINGTON, Mass. — Alco Stores has selected OrderMotion's OMX platform to provide the back office technology to serve its new e-commerce site.

Canton, Mass. -- Dunkin' Brands Group, the parent company of Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, announced the appointment of Jack Clare to the position of CIO. He previously served as VP, IT and CIO, Yum! Restaurants International, the largest division of Yum! Brands.

In his role at Dunkin' Brands, Clare will be responsible for directing all information technology resources, with a focus on supporting the company's franchisee community to drive restaurant profitability through technology.