News

Sustainability is often confused with “going green,” but while environmental improvement is part of the picture, sustainability is bigger than that. It’s a strategy for individuals and organizations to thrive for the long term. Operating sustainably ensures an efficient, resilient and innovative organization that not only does less harm to people and the environment, but also does more good and makes a profit in the process. Because as many have pointed out, a business that loses money won’t be around to do anything very long.

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.

Cache Inc., a specialty chain of women’s apparel stores, has announced that Daphne Pappas has joined the company as EVP, chief merchandise officer.

Pappas brings more than 30 years of retail industry experience to Cache. For the past ten years, she served as VP general merchandising manager for Burberry America’s where she led the company’s women’s business. Prior to this, Pappas was the divisional merchandise manager of Juniors Sportswear at Macy’s East, a $150 million business in 82 stores. 

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

BEAVERTON, Ore. — Costco Wholesale Corp. has engaged the services of Digimarc Corp. to create a more interactive experience for the readers of its monthly magazine.

Launching this month at retailers nationwide is a new line of Edy’s fruit bars called Outshine.

Nestlé Dreyers Ice Cream Company, parent of the Edy’s brand, will apply the Outshine brand to six existing flavors under the Edy’s Fruit Bars name and add six new flavors. One of the flavors the company is most excited about is coconut water.

OAK BROOK, Ill. — Ace Hardware has named long-time employee John Venhuizen as president and CEO of the nation’s largest hardware cooperative.

Venhuizen’s appointment to this role has been part of a strategic leadership transition that was announced last September. At that time, Venhuizen was named president and COO of Ace Hardware, while Ace’s outgoing leader, Ray Griffith, maintained the title of CEO.

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."