News

Judge clears way for Tuesday vote by Family Dollar shareholders
New York - A Delaware judge has denied a request to block Tuesday's vote by Family Dollar Stores on a $8.5 billion take-over bid by Dollar Tree, saying dissident shareholders "failed to demonstrate a reasonable probability of success on any of their claims." A shareholder lawsuit had requested a preliminary injunction against the vote until Family Dollar “properly engaged” in talks with rival Dollar General to “achieve a value-maximizing transaction.”
Epicor partners with AJB for electronic payment
Austin, Texas - Epicor Software Corp. is launching a strategic partnership with integrated payment solutions provider AJB Software Design, Inc. to simplify and secure electronic payment acceptance at the point-of-purchase, enabling retailers to accommodate new and emerging methods of payment and comply with security best practices such as the forthcoming Europay, MasterCard and Visa (“EMV”) initiative.

It's an omnichannel holiday for CVS customers

CVS has developed an omnichannel strategy for this holiday season that focuses on targeting customers online, on mobile and in stores.

Consumers can follow @CVS_Extra on Twitter to learn about upcoming promotions and ways to win a variety of gift items through special contests. Additional holiday savings and tips can be found on the CVS Facebook page.
TechBytes: Three Omnichannel Gifts for Your Customers

As the retail industry enters the home stretch of the holiday season, it’s a fitting time to think about not just the gifts your customers are giving their loved ones, but gifts you can give your customers. Not gifts in the form of cash or merchandise (though surely your customers would gladly accept them), but gifts in the form of omnichannel features and services. Consider giving the following three omnichannel gifts to your customers for the holidays and beyond, if you haven’t already.
Ex-RadioShack CMO finds a new home

RadioShack’s former marketing chief is joining At Home, the Texas-based home decor chain.

"Jennifer's retail experience coupled with her strong agency background will serve her well in her new role," said Lee Bird, CEO of At Home. "We're thrilled to have added an executive with her prowess to our growing team."

Warren most recently held the position of CMO for RadioShack, where she was responsible for leading the marketing, consumer insights, private brand strategy, public relations and omnichannel teams.
Albertson’s and Safeway to sell 146 stores to Haggen

Boise, Idaho – As part of divestures to receive FTC clearance of their proposed January 2015 merger, AB Acquisitions Inc. (Albertsons) and Safeway Inc. will sell 146 stores to Pacific Northwest grocery chain Haggen. With this acquisition, which remains subject to FTC approval, Haggen will expand from 18 stores with 16 pharmacies to 164 stores with 106 pharmacies.
American Apparel restructures board

Embattled retailer American Apparel Inc. is restructuring its board amid rumors that the company is evaluating an offer to sell itself at a hefty premium.

The company, which recently ousted its chief executive and founder Dov Charney, announced that Allan Mayer and David Danziger have stepped down as co-chairmen of the board and will be replaced by board member Colleen B. Brown as chairperson. Mayer and Danziger will continue to serve as members of the board and will retain their positions as chairs of the compensation and audit committees, respectively.
Appliance Recycling Centers names new CFO

Minneapolis – Appliance Recycling Centers of America Inc. (ARCA) has named Jeffery Ostapeic as the company's CFO. Ostapeic is a certified public accountant and served most recently as an audit partner with Grant Thornton LLP, an international accounting firm.
Staples latest to confirm data breach

Time and again in 2014 the vulnerability of retailers’ information systems became apparent with Staples the latest major chain forced to admit an inability to protect customers’ personal information.

Now Staples has released more information about its data breach in September.
Tech Guest Viewpoint - Why the Holidays are a Shipping Nightmare

By Fabrizio Brasca, JDA Software