News

AUSTIN, Texas - Whole Foods Market announced that it is offering free overseas shipping of its holiday gift boxes to APO, FPO and DPO addresses.

Available only at www.wholefoodsmarket.com/giftbox, Whole Foods Market offers five different gift boxes that range from $40 to $60 each. 

WASHINGTON - The National Retail Federation announced that it has urged the Senate to support legislation extending Bush era tax cuts that is scheduled for a procedural vote today, saying the measure would help preserve and create jobs.

WAYNE, N.J. - Toys“R”Us reported that net sales for the third quarter were $2.7 billion, an increase of 1.9% compared with prior year, due to new locations including Toys“R”Us Express stores as well as comparable-store net sales growth of 2.3% in the domestic segment and a foreign currency translation benefit of $17 million. These increases were partially offset by a decline of 2.9% in comparable-store net sales in the international segment.

Bentonville, Ark. - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is closing its Moscow office but said it is still interested in the Russian market.

The retailer said Monday that it has been looking to enter the Russian market through an acquisition, but has not found a near-term opportunity so it does not need the Moscow office at this time.

PHOENIX - The board of directors of PetSmart has unanimously appointed Dr. Angel Cabrera, Ph.D., to the board, effective Dec. 9. 

Cabrera is president of the Thunderbird School of Global Management, a position he has held since 2004. Prior to joining Thunderbird, Cabrera was professor and dean at Instituto de Empresa in Madrid, Spain from 1998 to 2004.

New York - Crate and Barrel has joined shopkick, allowing it to deliver location-based shopping rewards simply for visiting stores. By early 2011, rewards will be delivered at all U.S. Crate and Barrel stores.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Marketing communications firm Duffy & Shanley has been hired by Staples to manage its 2010 public relations efforts for the holiday shopping season. 

For the last two years, Duffy & Shanley said it has worked with Staples on its holiday marketing and public relations efforts in some capacity.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Grand Rapids-based Spartan Stores has announced the introduction of its new Michigan-made Indulgent Creations premium ice cream. Four Indulgent Creations will be available year round through Spartan Stores D&W Fresh Market, Family Fare, Felpausch, Glen's Market, and VG's Stores, as well as through nearly 400 independent stores in Michigan and Northern Indiana selling Spartan Stores brand products.  The four core flavors include: Double Vanilla, Toasted Butter Pecan, Mint Chip, and Double Dark Chocolate.