News

The retail and consumer packaged goods industry fared poorly in a recent global ranking of corporate sustainability leaders with the handful of standouts being Coca-Cola, Johnson & Johnson, Staples and Campbell Soup Company.

The ranking of 100 companies compiled by Corporate Knights, a media, research and investment advisory company, included only17 U.S. companies and only two retailers. Sweden’s H&M was ranked 64th and Staples was ranked 72nd.

Leading global brand extension agency Beanstalk has promoted Allison Ames to president of the company. In her new role, Ames will assume many of the day-to-day leadership and operational responsibilities for the company globally.

She will also work alongside CEO Michael Stone on many of the company’s short and long-term strategic growth initiatives.

Target plans to carry on its Canadian expansion this year with nine additional stores, the majority of which will open in Ontario, although the retailer plans to open single stores in Quebec, Manitoba, Alberta and B.C.

London – Online luxury retailer Avenue 32 has launched a mobile and tablet strategy allowing designers to showcase their collections to the public without having to invest in their own online presence. Since its launch, mobile traffic has more than doubled and average transaction value has increased 270%.

Working in partnership with Usablenet, Avenue 32 provides seamless and customized experiences for both mobile and tablet; the mobile site provides a task-based experience whereas the tablet site is focused around browsing and discovery.

Crest has launched Be, a new line of toothpastes that features three new flavors: Mint Chocolate Trek, Vanilla Mint Spark and Lime Spearmint Zest.

Issaquah, Wash. -- Online meal planning service eMeals has debuted a new Costco Classic Family Plan that delivers 14 Costco-focused dinner menus to a customer’s smartphone or computer inbox every two weeks. Designed to take full advantage of Costco promotions and volume packaging, each installment includes family-friendly entree and side-dish recipes, plus a complete grocery list for all 14 days that is organized by Costco aisle for speedy shopping.

Pharmacy benefit analytics company Truveris has named former Walgreens and Apple veteran Anthony Barrett as VP sales, central region.

Barrett joins Truveris with more than 33 years of achieving growth and leading strategic business development, sales and clinical teams. Experienced in healthcare and IT, Barrett worked at Healthways, Prime Therapeutics, Walgreens, Apple and Xerox.

Plano, Texas – J.C. Penney Co. is amending its stockholder rights plan as part of move to protect its ability to use certain funds that can be used for tax benefits.

Penney said its shareholder rights plan can now be put into effect if an individual or group acquires 4.9% or more of its outstanding stock, down from its previous 10%.