News

By Adam Siegel, VP sustainability, RILA

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Family Dollar Stores announced that it has named Christopher Nielsen to the position of VP loss prevention. Nielsen will report to Bryan Venberg, SVP human resources.

New York City -- Wal-Mart Stores said its Walmart and Sam's Club divisions will now report their U.S. sales data to Nielsen Holdings, which will become the retailer's primary provider for market information, tools and training, the companies said in a joint announcement on Thursday.

Nielsen gathers and analyzes sales information from a variety of U.S. chain stores, giving manufacturers, Wall Street analysts and others a glimpse at how products are selling.

WASHINGTON — NRF reported that total back-to-school spending on grades K to 12 is expected to reach $22.8 billion. According to NRF’s 2011 Back-to-School survey conducted by BIGresearch, families with children in grades K to 12 will spend an average of $603.63 on apparel, school supplies and electronics, within a few dollars of last year’s $606.40 average. 

PLANO, Texas  — JCPenney said Tuesday that its veteran marketing chief Mike Boylson has retired from the company. His successor will be selected by newly minted CEO Ron Johnson in what will be the former Apple executive’s first senior-level appointment at JCPenney.

Boylson was with the department store chain for more than three decades, the last eight years as chief marketing officer. He said in June he would retire from the company on July 1, according to a JCPenney spokeswoman.

SALISBURY, N.C. — Food Lion unveiled Wednesday six new stores in the Greenville, S.C., area market.

NEW YORK — Kmart is changing its approach to fashion with a new campaign focused on individual style rather than name brands or trends. The campaign, titled "Money can't buy style," will debut this fall and will feature non-actors in Kmart looks they've created themselves.

New York City -- Borders Group said objections from creditors are irrelevant because the company’s liquidation means it will not carry on any contracts with business partners, Bloomberg reported.

Borders is due to seek court approval Thursday to liquidate its 399 remaining stores. The approximate 99 objections from creditors should be overruled, the company said in court papers, as it does not plan to keep or transfer any contracts or leases, the report said.