News

ORRVILLE, Ohio — J. M. Smucker has completed its acquisition of Enray Inc., a leading manufacturer and marketer of premium organic, gluten-free ancient grain products, including sprouted and non-sprouted grains, pasta, and cookies, which are primarily sold under its flagship brand, truRoots.

Enray generated net sales of more than $45 million throughout its latest 12-month period. The transaction includes a leased manufacturing facility in Livermore, Calif., where Enray is headquartered. Details of the transaction were not disclosed.

NEW YORK — Fairway Market has introduced a hearing loop at its flagship store's deli counter for customers with hearing loss.

Fairway Group Holdings, based in New York, said the loop was installed in its Broadway store in Manhattan. The loop works with a person's telecoil-equipped hearing instrument or cochlear implant, allowing the employee behind the deli to speak into a microphone and transmit the signal wirelessly to the telecoil, blocking ambient background noise and amplifying the clerk's voice.

SAN FRANCISCO — Gap has elected Padmasree Warrior, chief technology and chief strategy officer of Cisco Systems, to its board of directors, effective Sept. 30.

“Padma is an accomplished business leader with nearly 30 years’ experience within the technology industry, as both a strategist and innovator,” said Glenn Murphy, Gap Inc. chairman and CEO. “As we increase our investment in serving customers across all channels, Padma’s relevant expertise will be an asset to our board and management team.”

TREVOSE, Pa. — E.p.t, creator of the home pregnancy test, is spreading brand awareness via social media, by launching a contest on Twitter for Labor Day, which celebrates moms in labor.

Five grand prize winners will receive a $500 “push present” for giving birth on Labor Day, courtesy of the home pregnancy test brand. 

LOS ANGELES — JustFab and ShoeDazzle have entered into a definitive agreement to merge and form one fashion subscription e-commerce business.

With the merger, the two brands will be able to expand their customer base in the United States and further accelerate international and category expansion plans. The combined company is expected to be profitable in 2014.

The Hain Celestial Group, a leading organic and natural products company, has appointed Stephen J. Smith as EVP and CFO, effective September 3. He replaces Ira J. Lamel, who announced his retirement as the company’s CFO Sept. 5, 2012 and which becomes effective at the end of the month.

LOS ANGELES — Global lifestyle brand Guess? has appointed Michael Relich as the company’s chief operating officer. As part of the brand’s executive leadership team, Relich will report to co-founder and CEO Paul Marciano.

Relich spent nine years as the brand’s chief information officer. Relich has had increasing global responsibilities, leading a number of areas, including IT, distribution/logistics, e-commerce and strategic planning.  

DUBLIN, Calif. — Epicor Software Corp. announced that LaRue Coffee Roasterie has gone live with the Epicor Tropos enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution.

PITTSBURGH — Dick's Sporting Goods reported a 57% increase in second-quarter net income, which was chiefly related to a big charge last year.

For the period ended Aug. 3, the retailer earned $84.2 million, up from $53.7 million in the prior-year period when it recorded a $32.4 million impairment charge tied to an investment in JJB Sports. Revenue rose 6% to $1.53 billion, short of analyst projections of $1.57 billion. Same-store sales edged down 0.4%.

Chairman and CEO Edward Stack said bad weather reduced traffic and hurt sales.

DALLAS — Closeout retailer Tuesday Morning announced the appointment of Michael Rouleau to CEO, effective immediately. Rouleau, who was appointed interim chief executive in March 2013, will also continue to serve on the company's board of directors, which he joined in November 2012.