News

Fremont, Calif. - In accordance with the terms of its merger agreement with Jos. A. Bank Clothiers Inc., The Men’s Wearhouse has extended its all-cash tender offer for $65 per share for all of the currently outstanding shares of common stock to May 21, 2014, unless further extended. The tender offer was previously set to expire on May 7.

Chicago - The fast-casual segment continues to obtain share from full-service chains and drive limited-service growth, making up 15% of the $231 billion limited-service restaurant segment. The “Top 150 Fast-Casual Chain Report” from Technomic shows that fast-casual sales increased 11% in 2013, while all limited-service chains grew by only 3.5%.

The timing of Easter this year left Costco with 27 days of sales in April, rather than last year’s 28. But despite the Easter holiday shift, Costco still came out on top with a 7% increase in net sales that reportedly beat analysts’ expectations.

Fred's plans to implement a long-term marketing strategy stressing everyday low pricing and the convenience of a smaller box to help bolster sales against what the company describes as "intense competitive pressures." The company's pharmacy operations continue to grow, however.

Fred's reported $150 million in sales for the four weeks ended May 3, representing a decline of 1.6% as compared to year-ago sales. For the first quarter ended May 3, sales totaled $498.5 million, down 0.6%.

Amazon customers in 15 additional cities are now eligible for Sunday delivery, according to the online retail giant.

In addition to the Los Angeles and New York metro areas where Sunday delivery launched late last year, Amazon customers in the following locations are now receiving deliveries on Sunday:

Ebates.com, a pioneer in online cash-back shopping, has once again expanded its mobile offerings. The new free iPad shopping app offers access to cash back, online coupons and free shipping from participating stores.

The app is available for download at the App Store.

Built with a native tablet design that the company touts as easy to navigate, the app features powerful product and deal search capability, daily double cash back offerings, each user’s personal Favorite Stores and simple find-and-paste couponing.

Cole Haan has launched its Dog Days of Summer campaign in partnership with The Good Dog Foundation, a nonprofit organization that promotes the use of animal-assisted therapy using its certified therapy dog teams.

The brand enlisted a few canine friends from the foundation to star in the campaign. From Coco, a Yorkshire Terrier perched upon an upside down top hat, to Emma and Finn, two Mini Whoodles outfitted in white and blue polka dot bows, the dogs are shown alongside select pieces from Cole Haan's men's pre-fall collection.

Staples has appointed Thomas Nowak, most recently SVP, merchandising for bol.com, one of Europe’s largest e-commerce sites, as SVP of merchandising, Staples Europe, effective Aug. 1.

Nowak will report to president of Staples Europe John Wilson, and will be a member of the European leadership team.

Rue La La, a leading online lifestyle shopping destination, has launched DressingRoom, a series of boutiques that offer members a one-stop shopping experience the features everything from necklaces and vases to linens and dresses.

DressingRoom offers cross-channel inspiration via themed boards and how-to content. The series kicks off this month with "Bright & Bohemian," followed by "Minimalist Whites" and then "Weekend Casual" throughout the month of June.

Virgin Mobile has entered into a partnership with Banana Republic that will offer its Canadian members the newest looks from the brand for less.

Starting today through Dec. 31, Virgin Mobile members will receive 20% off any one full-priced item at Banana Republic stores across the country.