News

Target has formed a digital advisory council as part of its efforts to accelerate its digital transformation. The company will look to the panel of technology industry leaders to help guide its omnichannel strategies.

The council includes experts with varied tech backgrounds, and includes Ajay Agarwal, managing director of Bain Capital Ventures; Amy Chang, CEO/co-founder of Accompani, former head of Google Analytics; Roger Liew, chief technology officer of Orbitz Worldwide; and Sam Yagan, CEO of the Match Group and CEO/founder of OkCupid.

New York -- Doug McMillon, CEO of Wal-Mart Stores, said the company plans to ramp up the company's pace of partnerships and acquisitions as part of a broader strategy to better compete with digital rivals, Bloomberg reported.  

“We’ve been more acquisitive lately, especially for talent,” McMillon said, according to the report. “And our pace of acquisitions, I think, is going to accelerate.”

Welch's has appointed Tom Dixon as chief marketing officer. Most recently, Dixon was VP and GM for the Schwan Food Company’s frozen pizza division.

“As a family-farmer owned business, Welch’s has been delivering the goodness of the grape to adults and children alike for generations,” said Dixon. “I’m excited to become part of this iconic brand with such a rich heritage and a portfolio of family favorites. I’m looking forward to continuing Welch’s tradition of bringing consumers nutritious and delicious products.”

By Sebastien Taveau, Chief Evangelist, Synaptics

From ancient bartering, to the first coin, to the first paper currency, to the first mobile payment, it’s easy to provide a linear view of how the payment process has evolved.

Women’s apparel retailer Chico’s FAS increased its store count by 99 units in the first quarter even as traffic declined and profits tumbled.

Philadelphia – The board of directors of Urban Outfitters Inc. has authorized the repurchase of 10 million common shares under a share repurchase program. Pursuant to this program, the company, at its discretion, may repurchase its common shares from time to time, subject to market conditions and at prevailing market prices.

Urban Outfitters has repurchased all of the shares available under its previous share repurchase programs, including the 10 million common shares authorized by the board of directors in August 2013.

Brown Shoe Company’s first quarter results exceeded expectations according to CEO, president and chair Diane Sullivan, and the company is raising its annual EPS guidance range as a result.

New Albany, Ohio – Abercrombie & Fitch Co. and Abercrombie & Fitch Stores Inc. have offered to pay $96,000 to 13 assistant managers for failing to pay proper overtime wages, in connection with a lawsuit filed in the Eastern District of New York. This is in addition to prior offers from Abercrombie & Fitch to pay other assistant managers who had joined the lawsuit.