News

SOLON, Ohio — Nestlé plans on investing $53 million in a new product technology center, which will expand the company's existing R&D facility in Solon, Ohio.

NEW YORK — DC Comics' costumed superheroes are heading to PetSmart stores in July. The specialty pet retailer will debut an exclusive line of DC Comics-themed pet apparel and toys for dogs by Fetch for Pets.

The licensing partnership between Fetch for Pets and Warner Bros. Consumer Products on behalf of DC Entertainment features DC Comics characters such as Superman and Dynamic Duo Batman and Robin. Along with T-shirts, dresses and bandanas the line also includes ball bodies, teethers, bottle crunchers and plush figures.

Shareholders of Coinstar, the company behind the ubiquitous RedBox dvd rental machines, have adopted the name Outerwall as a new corporate identify.

The name change was confirmed at the company's annual meeting of shareholder on June 27, but an official tally of voting results won’t be available until July 2.

The MillerCoors company is giving away a 2013 Ford Fusion SE as part of an innovative Facebook campaign targeting NASCAR fans to promote responsible consumption of alcoholic beverages.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Kid Brands' board is going to see some changes, following Hugh Rovit's announcement that he will not be seeking re-election as a director at the company's annual shareholders meeting.

To counteract weak demand for conventional office products, Staples is peddling some decidedly non-traditional office products as part of an expanded assortment billed as, "summer celebration essentials."

The company is offering condiments such as ketchup, mayonnaise and mustard along with grills, coolers, bottle openers, patio furniture, salty snacks and disposable cutlery to appeal to Fourth of July shoppers.

SAN FRANCISCO — Converse is adding to its roster of stores in key metropolitan areas with the opening of its first location in San Francisco, bringing the leading footwear brand's total of inline locations in the U.S. to five.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Finish Line's current president and COO Steve Schneider has announced his plans to retire after 24 years with the company.

CHICAGO — Social media powerhouse Facebook is trying go beyond baby photos and cat memes by further integrating commerce into its current platform.

While many large and small retailers already use Facebook's platform to market their wares and enhance their brand awareness, no one has set up shop on the site until now.

Janet Carter Smith was named SVP of market develop at Park City Group, a supply chain management company focused on technology solutions to enhance in-stock.

In her new role at Park City Group, Carter Smith will be responsible for developing business solutions, consulting and expanding efforts in market development.