News

The proliferation of gift cards has spawned the creation of unique app that can help retailers unlock the value of unspent gift cards.

Los Angeles – Peter J. Nolan, 55, one of three managing partners of private equity firm Leonard Green & Partners, is leaving his post. Leonard Green holds investment stakes in major retail chains including J. Crew, Petco, The Container Store, and Topshop/Topman.

Nolan will serve as a senior advisor to Leonard Green and also serve as a board member of several companies in its portfolio. He is leaving to devote more time to philanthropic activities.

Dallas – The global mobile commerce market will grow from $116.1 billion in 2014 to $467.3 billion in 2019. According to a new report from MarketsandMarkets, in terms of geographies, North America and Europe are expected to be the biggest markets in terms of revenue contribution, while Asia-Pacific and Middle East-Africa are expected to experience increased market traction during the forecast period.

Overstock.com is now offering insurance for vehicle, residential and small businesses on its online shopping site.  

Lakewood, Colo. – Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, parent company of the Einstein Bros. Bagels, Noah’s New York Bagels and Manhattan Bagel Company brands, has rolled out the cloud-based ServiceNow platform. Einstein retail brands are now automating and managing service relationships across the global enterprise through a single system of record.

The Estée Lauder Companies have named Christopher C. Giglio as VP, corporate global communications. He will report to Alexandra C. Trower, EVP, global communications.

Petco has named Larry Rutkowski as EVP and CFO.

"Larry is a highly accomplished executive with a proven track record of successful financial leadership for both public and privately-held companies," said CEO Jim Myers. "His unique skillset and experience in a diverse array of industries will serve us well as we continue to advance Petco's leadership position in pet specialty. We're thrilled to add Larry to our executive team."

Whole Foods Market made a $46,784 donation to Solid Ground, a Seattle-based organization with a mission to build a community to end poverty. Throughout 2013, shoppers who visited any of the six Seattle-area Whole Foods Market stores had an opportunity to participate in the Bag Hunger program, with a cash donation to Solid Ground at the checkout registers.