News

LONDON — Walmart's U.K. division, Asda, will has partnered with Barnes & Noble to sell exclusively Nook e-reader products.

Nook products available at Asda include the Nook Simpe Touch and Nook Simple Touch GlowLight. Both feature built-in access via Wi-Fi to Barnes & Noble’s digital catalogue of more than 2.5 million digital titles, including top-selling U.K. books, newspapers and magazines.

Atlanta -- The Home Depot said Monday it has completed its merger transaction with U.S. Home Systems, an exclusive supplier of kitchen and bath refacing products to the home-improvement chain.

The transaction was approved by the stockholders of USHS at a special meeting held on Oct. 26, and USHS’ common stock ceased trading on the Nasdaq at market close.

NEW YORK — The Ikea Group plans to become energy and resource independent by 2020, according to the chain’s new “People & Planet Positive” sustainability initiative.

Detroit -- According to Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan on Monday, the Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index rose to 82.6 in October, the highest level since September 2007.

Economists polled by Bloomberg projected 83 for the measure after a preliminary October reading of 83.1.

The Michigan index of consumer expectations six months from now, which more closely projects the direction of consumer spending, rose to 79 from 73.5 in September. The gauge of current conditions climbed to 88.1 from 85.7 a month ago.

HAMILTON, Bermuda — Bacardi Limited has named Joseph Schena as SVP and CFO, replacing Jacques Croisetière, who is retiring from the company.

As SVP and CFO, Schena will also serve as a member of the Bacardi leadership team and report to Bacardi Limited president and CEO Ed Shirley. In addition, Schena will be appointed president and CEO of Bacardi International Limited. He will join the company on Dec. 3 and will be based in the global headquarters in Hamilton, Bermuda; pending approval by the Bermuda Department of Immigration.

Sunbury, Pa. -- Weis Markets Inc. reported Friday that net income for the third quarter increased 1.2% to $17.2 million.

Sales for the period dipped 1.5% to $668.4 million and same-store stores decreased 1.7%.

Weis Markets operates 162 stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, New Jersey and West Virginia.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Sabra Dipping Co., the country's leading hummus manufacturer, has introduced a new flavor of its Garden Variety Hummus — Asian Fusion.

Inspired by Asian cuisine, the new flavor of hummus incorporates the flavors of ginger and sesame, and is topped with crunchy carrots and peppers.

San Antonio -- Consumers plan to buy more gifts this year, according to a recent survey commissioned by USAA and released Monday. The fourth annual USAA holiday spending survey indicated that consumer sentiment toward holiday budgeting has become more positive in 2012 when compared to 2011 (53% versus 45%).