News

Loblaw’s board of directors has named executive chairman Galen G. Weston as president, effective immediately. Thomas O'Neill, lead independent director, confirmed the appointment as part of a series of management changes at the company.

As executive chairman, Weston is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the company and leading the board. In assuming the role of president, Weston will also be responsible for the execution of the company's strategy, leadership of the management team and its overall business performance.

eBay enabled record levels of e-commerce and transaction volume via its PayPal subsidiary during the second quarter ended June 30.

The global commerce platform and payments leader said revenue for the period increased 13% to $4.4 billion as the volume of e-commerce activity it facilitated (a metric eBay calls Enabled Commerce Volume or ECV) increased 26% to $62 billion. Net income increased 6% to $676 million, or 53 cents a share, compared to net income of $640 million, or 49 cents a share.

Rising commodity costs and expense pressures prompted Hershey to announce an 8% increase in wholesale prices as it looks to maintain profitability in 2014 and beyond.

Williams-Sonoma has appointed Ronald R. Young SVP, global, as part of its strategy to grow the brand outside the United States.

“Global expansion is one of our most important initiatives, and I’m pleased to have Ron Young, with his more than 30 years of experience in global markets, leading our continued growth,” said president and CEO Laura Alber. “Ron’s deep understanding of the global retail landscape, and his financial discipline are the ideal combination of skills and experience to lead our global strategy.”

Newegg has kicked off its back-to-school campaign for 2014, which features special deals, promotions and sweepstakes designed to help equip students for the upcoming school year.

Each week of the campaign focuses on a specific theme, highlighting sales on related products and rewarding Newegg customers with special deals through Twitter and Facebook.

J.C. Penney’s back-to-school marketing campaign aims to celebrate self-expression the way it’s done nowadays: with selfies.

Customers are invited to visit the retailer’s back-to-school online hub, jcpenney.com/bts, where they can create a personalized emoji that resembles them. Users can customize their emoji with accessories and hairstyles and post it side-by-side with their selfie, to share with friends as well as on J.C. Penny’s "Express Yourselfie" online gallery.

GoJo Industries, the makers of Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer, have issued a challenge to consumers to adopt 30 days of healthy habits by joining the Purell Advanced 30-Day Challenge.
 

Sam’s Club opened three new locations this month including locations near Chicago, Fort Worth and Wichita, Kan., that pushed its club count to 630 units.

Heineken Light’s most recent ad campaign, "Best Tasting Light Beer," features three-time Emmy award-winner and Tony award-winner and host Neil Patrick Harris.  

The reformulated Heineken Light recipe still contains just 99 calories but now includes cascade hops, commonly used in IPAs to create a fuller flavor, crisper aftertaste and a clean finish, the company said.

Walmart chief information officer Karenann Terrell will headline a first of its kind technology conference next month in Northwest Arkansas organized by the Bentonville Bella Vista Chamber of Commerce.