News

New York - Macy’s, Inc. is redeeming $76 million in debt. Through its Macy’s Retail Holdings Inc. subsidiary, the company will redeem for cash the entire $76.02 million aggregate principal amount outstanding on 8.125% debt that is due 2035, on Aug. 17, 2015.

Seattle – Starbucks Corp. putting its money where its mouth is in terms of ethical and sustainable sourcing. Starbucks is making a new commitment to contribute $30 million in the next five years as part of its Global Farmer Fund program that aids sustainable farming operations.

Ann Arbor, Mich. – A no-hitter is an exciting event for baseball fans. For digitally connected baseball fans who also love pizza, no-hitters just got more exciting.

Domino’s Pizza and Major League Baseball (MLB) are extending an omnichannel partnership that provides free pizzas to the first 20,000 registered MLB.com users who visit a dedicated MLB.com/dominos page and log in. The offer is redeemable for carryout pizzas only and available for five consecutive days or until 20,000 codes are given away.

New York -- The home and lifestyle company that domestic diva Martha Stewart launched in 1997 has been acquired in a cash-and-stock deal valued at approximately $353 million. It’s a big comedown for a company that was valued at $2 billion on the day of its initial public offering in 1999, but whose fortunes have been on the downslide for a while now.

Columbus, Ohio -- Big Lots is diversifying its multicultural outreach. The off-price retailer announced the launch of Big Lots Latino, a new Spanish language information hub for Hispanic customers. The site provides culturally relevant information including tips and ideas on home decor, beauty & health, food & recipes, and crafts.

Last week, my retail technology-related travels took me closer to home than usual – to Boston, the city where I was born and still live within a reasonable drive. I visited the old homestead to attend the official opening of the CVS Health’s new Digital Innovation Lab. CVS officials did a fine job explaining the mission of the lab and giving the audience a sneak peek at some of their work.

A notable shift is underway at crowdsourced grocery delivery company Instacart where an evolving business model means some independent contractor workers have gained part-time employee status.

After experimenting with converting independent contractors to part-time employees in Boston, the company also has made the shift in Chicago. Other cities are expected to follow given what Instacart says is a favorable impact on customer service and business results.

Big Lots is targeting Hispanic shoppers with a new Spanish language information hub for Latino customers. 

Big Lots Latino, which provides culturally relevant information including tips and ideas on home decor, beauty & health, food & recipes, and crafts, is just one additional way the company is diversifying its multicultural outreach to this rapidly growing segment of the U.S. population

The Walmart Foundation is making a big statement in support of free school meal and education programs.

The organization will give away $15.5 million in grants to seven national nonprofits to support free meal and nutrition education programs this summer and throughout the school year. The programs in more than 7,700 communities across the country will help over 1 million low-income children and their families gain access to critical meals and teach them how to cook and eat healthy together.

Retail licensing group Sequential Brands, whose brands include Jessica Simpson, Ellen Tracy and Avia, is buying Martha Stewart's lifestyle collection, although the domestic diva will maintain creative control over product.