News

Issaquah, Wash. -- Costco Wholesale Corp. reported in a company filing that its president and CEO James Sinegal saw his total compensation rise 29% to $3.5 million for the 2010 fiscal year.

The warehouse club chain kept Sinegal's salary steady at $350,000 but rewarded him for the company's improved performance by more than doubling his bonus to $190,400, according to documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Washington, D.C. -- A survey released Wednesday by the National Retail Federation found that aggressive holiday sales drew shoppers a little earlier this year, but many shoppers still have half their purchasing yet to do.

According to NRF’s 2010 Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch, the average person had completed 49.5% of their holiday shopping by the second week of December, up from 46.7% at same time last holiday season.

According to a new survey from customer intelligence firm, Market Force Information, The Children's Place is consumers' top pick for young children's (10 and younger) apparel when the votes are indexed for the number of stores. The Children's Place earned 17% of the votes, while Gymboree ranked second (13%), and Kohl's and Carter's tied for third with 12%. For children 11 and older, Aeropostale was ranked favorite retailer with 17% of the votes, followed closely by Kohl's (16%) and then Old Navy (10%).

GLENDALE, Calif., and AMSTERDAM, N.Y. — Beech-Nut and Disney Consumer Products have teamed up to unite nutritious foods with characters that toddlers love.

Beech-Nut's new line of products feature Winnie the Pooh characters, including the namesake bear and his pals Piglet and Tigger.

The Beech-Nut toddler food is fortified with vitamins and minerals and contains valuable nutrients, fiber, whole grains, real fruit, real yogurt, real vegetables and protein. The line features meals, sides, snacks and juices including:

Chicago -- A better-than-expected retail performance in November should positively impact the holiday shopping season, according to ShopperTrak, prompting the company to revise its holiday season forecast upward.

WASHINGTON - Gap Inc. announced that President Obama intends to appoint Bobbi Silten, chief foundation officer at Gap Inc., to serve on the White House Council for Community Solutions. The Council will provide advice to the President on the best ways to mobilize citizens, nonprofits, businesses and government to work more effectively together to solve specific community needs.

Dayton, Ohio -- Data warehousing and analytics company Teradata Corp. said Wednesday it has broadened its partnership with Walmart.

The agreement includes an upgrade and expansion of Walmart's data warehouse environment to provide next-generation capabilities. Taradata said its technology will offer an expected 50% reduction in floor space required and a 40% reduction in energy consumption.

MONTVALE, N.J. — Bankrupt grocer A&P has announced that the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York has approved the $800 million debtor-in-possession financing provided by JPMorgan Chase. Of the total DIP facility, a $350 million term loan immediately has been made available.

As previously reported, A&P filed for bankruptcy on Sunday and will keep its 395 stores open and operational during the proceedings.

In addition, the court granted A&P's motion to approve its request for "first day orders," including: