News

Rockford, Mich. -- Wolverine Worldwide said Tuesday it will complete its previously announced acquisition of Collective Brands' Performance + Lifestyle Group, which consists of the Sperry Top-Sider, Saucony, Stride Rite and Keds brands, for $1.24 billion.

The banners will become Wolverine’s largest operating group, adding more than $1 billion in revenue to Wolverine’s existing stable of brands such as Merrell and Hush Puppies.

Philadelphia -- Destination Maternity reported Tuesday that revenue for the fourth quarter dipped less than 1% to $128.5 million, but edged Wall Street’s expected $128.4 million in revenue for the period. Same-store sales climbed 2.7%.

The retailer, whose brands include A Pea in the Pod, Motherhood Maternity and namesake stores, said the revenue dip in the fourth quarter was due largely to the closure of underperforming stores and that it expects quarterly earnings to exceed guidance.

NEW YORK — The first of Moose Toys anticipated Series Three Trash Pack Toys arrived at Toys"R"Us TImes Square this weekend at special event to welcome the toys arrival. The third collection of the popular line of garbage-themed collectible toys is available starting this week exclusively at Toys“R”Us stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com/TrashPack.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Fred's will now offer Western Union prepaid cards at 645 stores in 15 states.

Available cards will include the MoneyWise and Gold Card MasterCards and the Western Union Telemundo MasterCard. All three of the cards can be used anywhere debit MasterCard is accepted, including at ATMs and for online shopping. Cards can be “topped up” or reloaded with cash at one of 45,000 Western Union Agent locations in the United States or at any Fred’s location that offers the cards.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Dollar General is the overall basket price leader, delivering a substantial savings to value shoppers, according to Kantar Retail's second annual opening price point survey. Walgreens, for the second year, had the most expensive total basket, driven by sharply higher edible and nonedible grocery baskets.

PHILADELPHIA — Urban Outfitters is entered into an exclusive deal with World Co. to bring its Free People brand to Japan.

EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio — GE Lighting has named John Strainic, a leader with a as head of the business’s North America Consumer Lighting operation. In this newly created role, Strainic will be responsible for driving growth for GE Lighting’s North America consumer business.

LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix has expanded its online deli service to 50 stores in select markets.

Publix customers may place their orders online or via mobile device by visiting www.publix.com/order. Once on the site, customers may select their desired deli custom sub, wrap and/or sliced meats and cheeses, specify pickup time and proceed with order placement. An order pickup number will be provided on the customer’s final order summary and emailed to them as well.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway SVP human resources, Russ Jackson, has been named by Human Resource Executive magazine to the 2012 HR Honor Roll. Jackson will be recognized by the publication on Oct. 9 at a black tie awards dinner at the University Club of Chicago.

"Russ is a transformational architect within Safeway," said Safeway EVP, Larree Renda. "With his vision, insight and drive for results, he has built a human resources organization that is a powerful accelerator of change."

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Kmart and Sears are eliminating layaway service fees, starting a layaway home-delivery service and new in-store mobile features for what the company expects to be the busiest shopping season since 2007.