News

WAYNE, N.J. — It may be August, but Toys"R"Us is getting a jump on the holiday season. The retailer is expanding its price match guarantee on items available at its Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us stores nationwide to include selected online retailer pricing. 

PHOENIX — PetSmart’s total sales for the quarter ended Aug. were $1.7 billion, up 5.3% from $1.6 billion for the prior-year period, showing that people are still spending money on their pets despite lingering economic challenges and cautious shopping behavior trends evident in other sectors. 

Comparable-store sales, or sales in stores open at least a year, grew 3.4%, benefitting from comparable transactions growth of 1%. Services sales, which are included in total sales, grew 7.3% to $205 million.

Lowe's expects to complete its West Coast acquisition of 72 Orchard Supply Hardware stores by the end of August. When that happens, current CEO Mark Baker will be replaced at the helm of Orchard Supply by Lowe's executive Richard D. Maltsbarger.

Baker, a former Home Depot executive, took over the Orchard Supply job back in March of 2011. According to the press release announcing the move, Baker "informed Lowe's of his decision to accept a position as president and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots association following the closing."

ORLANDO — Walmart is kicking off its official start to the holiday season Friday, Sept. 13, with a no-fee layaway program.

ORRVILLE, Ohio — J. M. Smucker has completed its acquisition of Enray Inc., a leading manufacturer and marketer of premium organic, gluten-free ancient grain products, including sprouted and non-sprouted grains, pasta, and cookies, which are primarily sold under its flagship brand, truRoots.

Enray generated net sales of more than $45 million throughout its latest 12-month period. The transaction includes a leased manufacturing facility in Livermore, Calif., where Enray is headquartered. Details of the transaction were not disclosed.

NEW YORK — Fairway Market has introduced a hearing loop at its flagship store's deli counter for customers with hearing loss.

Fairway Group Holdings, based in New York, said the loop was installed in its Broadway store in Manhattan. The loop works with a person's telecoil-equipped hearing instrument or cochlear implant, allowing the employee behind the deli to speak into a microphone and transmit the signal wirelessly to the telecoil, blocking ambient background noise and amplifying the clerk's voice.

SAN FRANCISCO — Gap has elected Padmasree Warrior, chief technology and chief strategy officer of Cisco Systems, to its board of directors, effective Sept. 30.

“Padma is an accomplished business leader with nearly 30 years’ experience within the technology industry, as both a strategist and innovator,” said Glenn Murphy, Gap Inc. chairman and CEO. “As we increase our investment in serving customers across all channels, Padma’s relevant expertise will be an asset to our board and management team.”

TREVOSE, Pa. — E.p.t, creator of the home pregnancy test, is spreading brand awareness via social media, by launching a contest on Twitter for Labor Day, which celebrates moms in labor.

Five grand prize winners will receive a $500 “push present” for giving birth on Labor Day, courtesy of the home pregnancy test brand. 

LOS ANGELES — JustFab and ShoeDazzle have entered into a definitive agreement to merge and form one fashion subscription e-commerce business.

With the merger, the two brands will be able to expand their customer base in the United States and further accelerate international and category expansion plans. The combined company is expected to be profitable in 2014.

The Hain Celestial Group, a leading organic and natural products company, has appointed Stephen J. Smith as EVP and CFO, effective September 3. He replaces Ira J. Lamel, who announced his retirement as the company’s CFO Sept. 5, 2012 and which becomes effective at the end of the month.