News

Staples named former Walmart.com CEO Raul Vasquez to serve on its the board of directors.

Vazquez currently serves as CEO and a director of Progreso Financiero, financial services firm focused on serving the needs of "under-banked" Hispanic customers. The election of directors at Staples will take place at the company’s annual meeting on June 3.

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — Avery Dennison Retail Branding and Information Solutions (RBIS) division, a leader in apparel and footwear industry solutions, has partnered with VeriFone, the leading provider of next-generation mobile retail software, to equip retailers with the GlobalBay Retailing solution, which provides the most productive and accurate markdown solution to date. Through the partnership and the development of its own smart device compatible technology, Avery Dennison strengthens its ability to provide retailers with effective solutions for mobile devices.

SALISBURY, N.C. — Food Lion has launched its "Hunger Has a Cure" campaign to support Feeding America and its network of local food banks. The two-week campaign, which allows customers to donate in $1 or $3 increments at the register, runs through April 16 and will help feed local families in need.

MINNEAPOLIS — Supervalu chief Sam Duncan continues to finalize his leadership team by naming Karla Robertson as EVP legal.

LOS ANGELES — The majority of Americans are planning to spend their tax refund. 

 According to PriceGrabber’s poll of 5,655 U.S. online shopping consumers, 24% anticipate a bigger refund than last year and 26% expect about the same amount. Thirty-two percent anticipate receiving less compared to 2012, and 18% aren't sure how much money they will receive.

Here’s an interesting take on pop-up stores by Felicity Pogson, associate design director, interiors, Dalziel & Pow, London:

Beaverton, Ore. -- Digimarc Corp. announced that Costco Wholesale Corp. is using the Digimarch Discover Intuitive Computing Platform (ICP) to embed transparent digital watermarks in editorial and advertising content connected with The Costco Connection starting with the April issue.

Collective Bias, the Bentonville, Ar.-based company pioneering the field of social shopper media, secured $10.5 million in funding.

The funding is expected to help the innovative media company continue to drive growth by creating greater engagement among shoppers, brands and retailers. The firms said 2012 was its third consecutive year of triple digit growth and the series A funding round led by Updata Partners represents the opportunity for Collective Bias to accelerate key business initiatives including expansion to international markets.

Albert Saltiel has joined AutoZone, the nation’s largest automotive retailer, as SVP of marketing and customer satisfaction.

Saltiel will report directly to AutoZone chairman, president and CEO Bill Rhodes.

"Al has spent many years working in both business to business and business to consumer environments," said Rhodes. "His experiences at Navistar, Sony and Ford are well suited for this position and we are excited to welcome Al to AutoZone."

PLEASANTON, Calif. — The Safeway Foundation has launched its annual April fundraising campaign to benefit Easter Seals, Special Olympics and a range of organizations that help people with disabilities live fuller, more independent lives.

The company's Support for People with Disabilities campaign, along with other fundraising activities, have contributed more than $140 million to Easter Seals, Special Olympics and an array of organizations that assist people with special needs.