Distribution

The Coca-Cola Company is focusing on the positive following third quarter results for the period ended Sept. 27. The company experienced continued global value share gains in total nonalcoholic ready-to-drink (NARTD) beverages for the 25th consecutive quarter.

The company also reported worldwide volume growth of 2% in the third quarter against the backdrop of increasing volatility in several emerging markets. Coca-Cola Americas grew volume 1% in the quarter, with North America volume up 2% and Latin America volume flat in the quarter.

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Stein Mart is expanding its presence this fall with four new stores and two relocated stores. The new stores are located in El Paso, Texas; Buford (Atlanta), Ga.; Elk Grove (Sacramento), Calif.; and Watchung, N.J.

The opening of two new Stein Mart stores in New Jersey and California this month will round out the discount department store operator's 2013 capital expansion program and give it a year-end total of 264 units.

The opening follows four new stores last month in El Paso, Texas; Buford, Ga.; Elk Grove, Calif.; and Colorado Springs, Co., as well as a September comparable-store sales increase of 5% and a total net sales increase of 7.3% for the month.

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, a leading marketer of branded consumer lawn and garden products, has reached an agreement with Bell Laboratories, Inc., a leading rodent control technology developer, to acquire the Tomcat consumer rodent control business.

Pittsburgh -- Dick’s Sporting Goods grand-opened three new stores on Friday, bringing the total store count to 541 in the U.S.

The chain opened a store in Redding, Wash., at the Redding Hilltop Center, its 30th store in the state of Washington. A new opening in Victorville, Calif., at The Mall of Victor Valley, marks the 31st Dick’s store in California.

And in Kansas, at the Midstate Plaza in Salina, Dick’s opened its eighth store in the state.

New York – Halston is launching its digital flagship store in more than 80 countries today, including the U.S., and Canada. The vertical e-commerce site will feature Halston Heritage apparel and accessories. The brand is also expanding its physical presence, with plans to expand to more than 20 locations by yearend.

Monroe, Mich. – La-Z-Boy Inc. intends to acquire two La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries stores located in the Youngstown, Ohio, market, with combined revenue of approximately $6.5 million. The stores are located in Boardman and Howland, Ohio, and are owned and operated by independent dealers who are retiring.  

West Chester, Pa. - Dr. Ulrich Flatten will retire as CEO, QVC Germany at the end of the year, after 12 years of service to the company. Under his leadership, Germany has developed into QVC's largest European business and its second largest business outside of the United States.

Pleasanton, Calif. -- Safeway Inc. announced it plans to get rid of its 72 Dominick's stores in the Chicago area, exiting the market in early 2014.

Safeway’s decision comes after Dominick's had a net loss of $8.4 million for the third quarter, ended Sept. 7, compared with a loss of $6.2 million in the year-ago period, and a net loss of $21.5 million for the year to date, compared with $16.8 million for the year- ago period.

The Halston brand is going digital with the launch of its flagship e-commerce site in more than 80 countries today, including the U.S. and Canada. The vertical e-commerce site will feature Halston Heritage apparel and accessories.

The brand is also expanding its physical presence, with plans to expand to more than 20 locations by yearend.