News

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — Staples is now offering its customers the chance to pre-order the latest computers and tablets optimized for Microsoft Windows 8 through its exclusive "8 Was Easy" program.

Customers can pre-order the computers and tablets online or in stores and receive free personalized training and free support. Consumers who purchase any Windows 8 PC regularly priced $699 and above will also receive free data transfer from their old computer.

Neil Ashe, president and CEO of global e-commerce was clearly the most excitable person on stage Wednesday at Walmart’s 19th annual analysts' meeting. And for good reason.

Walmart created its global e-commerce group two years ago and Ashe joined the company back in January. Wednesday was his first opportunity to participate in the company’s annual analysts’ meeting and he made the most of it, slipping in a first ever reference to Walmart’s online revenues that now total $9 billion.

NAPERVILLE, Ill. — OfficeMax has launched a new line of pens under its TUL brand.

"Over the past eight years, TUL has become the preferred premium brand of writing instruments and desk accessories for many of our customers because of the great design, performance and value it provides," said Ronald Lalla, EVP and chief merchandising officer at OfficeMax. "Our new collection of TUL pens provides both consumers and business customers with multiple designs that deliver exceptional writing experiences time and time again."

SAN FRANCISCO — Fujitsu Frontech North America, a technology and front-end solutions provider and Retail Pro, a provider of software applications for the specialty retail industry, announced a strategic business alliance that bundles Fujitsu hardware with Retail Pro software for a total point of sale solution. The alliance features bundled, purpose-built retail solutions that are intended to address the growing specialty segment of the retail industry, by providing sleek hardware, simplified software integration and rapid deployment for customers.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. —-- Sears Holdings has successfully separated out its Sears Hometown and Outlet Sores businesses.

MONTREAL — Canadian dollar-store chain, Dollarama, has named Richard Roy as an independent director of the corporation. Roy will fill the vacancy created among the board of directors by the resignation of Matthew Levin.

Roy will also sit on the audit committee of the corporation, and Huw Thomas, independent director of Dollarama, will replace Levin on the human resources and compensation committee while remaining a member of the audit committee and the nominating and governance committee of the corporation.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Kodak is moving forward with its plans to emerge from bankruptcy and said Friday it is ready to discuss reorganization plans with certain key creditor groups.

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. — Dollar General has named Pat Fili-Krushel to its board of directors effective Oct. 15.

Schaumburg, Ill. -- Higher consumer confidence levels, increased impulse buying and consumer intent to spend more could all lead to an upside surprise in 2012 holiday spending, according to Nielsen analyses.

Although almost six out of every 10 consumers (59%) reported plans to spend the same as last year, there is a 10-point drop (from 37% in 2011 to 27% in 2012) in the number of people expecting to spend less. Eight percent of respondents reported plans to spend more this holiday season, up from 5% in 2011 and 2010.

Domino’s Pizza’s new “Pizza Theater” store design brings the art and skill of pizza-making front and center.