News

Brinker International chairman Doug Brooks and First Horizon National Corp. CEO Bryan Jordan were elected to the AutoZone board of directors.

The addition of Brooks and Jordan give AutoZone a total of 11 board members. The company is due to report fourth quarter financial results on September 25.

FREEPORT, Maine — L.L.Bean has introduced the One Fund Boston Tote made from the tarp used to protect the Fenway Park infield during its 100th anniversary in 2012.

The limited edition version of the company’s signature tote celebrates the spirit of Boston and its people, with 100% of the profits going to The One Fund Boston.

CAMDEN, N.J. — Campbell’s Chunky soup, the official soup sponsor of the NFL, is renewing the Mama’s Boy campaign for the 2013 season, this time tapping Green Bay Packers linebacker and Super Bowl XLV champion Clay Matthews as its spokesperson.

In conjunction with the new ad campaign, Campbell will kick off the upcoming season with three new soups inspired by a classic sports pub menu: Hearty Cheeseburger, Spicy Chicken Quesadilla and Philly-Style Cheesesteak.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid has promoted Tammy Royer to group VP of managed care. Royer will report to Chris Hall, SVP of pharmacy services.

Royer most recently worked in the company's pharmacy division. In her new role, she will oversee all aspects of managed care, including contracting, maintaining relationships with managed-care organizations, pharmacy benefit managers and third-party payers and developing new strategic partnerships.

Brisbane, Calif. -- Bebe Stores Inc. reported a loss for its fourth quarter amid weaker sales and markdowns.

The apparel chain posted a loss of $20.8 million for the three-month period ended July 6, compared with net income of $3 million in the fourth quarter last year.

Bebe's total revenue edged down to $119.2 million, from $131.5 million.

CHICAGO — The Hillshire Brands Company has signed an agreement to acquire the maker of Golden Island jerky products.

Terms were not disclosed, and the transaction is expected to close by the end of the month, pending closing conditions.

As we transition into fall, let’s bid a fond farewell to summer 2013 by looking at how Benson’s Homemade Ice Cream, an independent seasonal ice cream parlor in the idyllic community of Boxford, Mass., uses Facebook in ways that larger retailers may want to emulate.

Real information in real time

Regional department store chain Gordmans gave shareholders a huge gift this week when the private equity controlled company’s board said it had borrowed $45 million to fund a $3.61 special dividend after reporting lackluster second quarter results.