News

Archer Daniels Midland adds former Coca-Cola exec to team
Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) has appointed Ben Bard as VP and global chief compliance officer, effective Jan. 20.

Bard will be responsible for ADM’s Office of Compliance and will oversee the company’s compliance policies and programs, including the code of conduct, ethics helpline, global anti-corruption program, trade compliance, antitrust and competition law, data protection, privacy and conflict of interest policies.
GameStop capitalizes on major console launches
The holiday saw the launch of major consoles, and multichannel videogame retailer GameStop is looking to capitalize by declaring 2014 to be the “Year of Gaming.”

The retailer is offering select items, including console bundles, games and consumer electronics, on sale hoping to lure gamers who didn’t get everything they wanted during the holiday or are looking to use holiday gift cards. The sale runs from now through Sunday, Jan. 5.

Building a winning omnichannel team

This holiday season was one of the first real opportunities for retailers to flex their omnichannel muscle. A shorter-than-usual holiday season, combined with ongoing economic uncertainty, led consumers to turn to a variety of shopping channels in their search for the most efficient and cost-effective way to round out their gifting lists. Likewise, many shoppers also demonstrated a desire to return products across these various channels. But were retailers ready?
Chelsea Handler & 7UP: forget resolutions, do what you want

Chelsea Handler has teamed up with 7UP Ten to challenge Americans to stop depriving themselves of the things they love in the new year.

The bestselling author and host of late-night TV show, “Chelsea Lately,” and the soda line are launching a series of videos that consumers can view and share with friends.
Tyson extends Facebook promo

A program Tyson Foods developed to encourage people to make healthy choices by eating more chicken has been extended to three months and involves Facebook as a key component.
Former Walmart exec joins Indian retailer

Raj Jain, the former head of a joint venture between Walmart and Bharti Enterprises, has joined Bharti Retail as CEO.

Jain spent six years with the joint venture, Bharti Walmart, most recently serving as president of Walmart India. He left the joint venture in June 2013, four months before Walmart and Bharti announced they would independently pursue retail opportunities in India.

Joining Jain at Bharti Retail is his former joint venture colleague Panka Madan who will serve as CFO. Madan also served as CFO of Bharti Walmart but left the joint venture in 2012.
GE leverages four-legged mascot to entice Millennials

GE has launched a sweepstakes featuring its Dalmatian mascot, Artie, giving participants a chance to win a GE Artistry Series suite. The sweepstakes, which ends Tuesday, Jan. 7, is hosted on the manufacturer’s website and is designed to introduce Millennials to the brand.
Consumer electronics retailer upgrades protection plan

Micro Center, a leading consumer electronics retailer, has entered into a multi-year agreement with the Warranty Group, a leading global provider of warranty solutions and underwriting services, which will allow the retailer to enhance its national Protection Plan program.

Under the new agreement, Micro Center customers will benefit from innovative warranty program solutions and customized services across a broad range of products.
Last call for entries: Retail Store of the Year

New York — Due to the holiday rush and related closings, sister publication Chain Store Age has extended the deadline for its 32nd annual Retail Store of the Year Design Competition until Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014.
Retailers appeal credit card swipe fee settlement

Washington -- The National Retail Federation Thursday formally filed an appeal of a controversial antitrust lawsuit settlement covering credit card swipe fees, asking the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn a lower court’s ruling.
Report – Coupons.com to acquire loyalty provider Yub, considers IPO

Mountain View, Calif. — Coupons.com is reportedly going to acquire Yub, a provider of mobile rewards and offers that customers redeem at brick-and-mortar stores. According to the Wall Street Journal, Coupons.com will pay $30 million for Yub, and is also considering an IPO.
Leadership change at Sheetz

Altoona, Pa. — David Woodley, VP of sales and marketing for convenience store chain Sheetz, has moved into the executive VP spot vacated by Louie Sheetz.