News

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Hostess Brands announced that it has selected United States Bakery's approximately $30.9 million offer as the winning bid for the company's Sweetheart, Eddy's, Standish Farms, and Grandma Emilie's bread brands, four bakeries, and 14 depots, plus certain equipment. 

The United States Bakery offer was selected as the highest and best bid at a March 15 auction. The company will ask the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York to approve the transaction at a hearing on April 9.

HUDSON, Ohio — Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores announced that in 2012 the company’s year-end corporate giving total surpassed $5 million for the first time in the retailer’s history.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid has expanded its Easter and spring supplies at its stores in anticipation of the holiday and season, the retail pharmacy chain said Monday.

The 4,623-store chain said items at its stores included chocolate bunnies, marshmallow Peeps, SweeTarts, Ducks & Bunnies, Cadbury Eggs and other candy brands, as well as baskets and other accessories.

In addition, the company is selling such gardening supplies as planters, figurines, bird feeders, wind chimes and outdoor fountains and lighting, including solar-powered devices.

BEAVERTON, Ore. — Nike announced a strategic partnership with Swiss company Bluesign Technologies to accelerate the supply of more sustainable materials and chemistries for use in Nike products.

SAN FRANCISCO — Williams-Sonoma reported that fourth-quarter EPS grew 15% to $1.34 and that quarterly revenue grew to $1.406 billion versus $1.268 billion in 2011 with comparable brand revenue growth of 4%.

Fiscal 2012 EPS grew 14% to $2.54. Net revenues for the year grew to $4.043 billion versus $3.721 billion in FY 11 with comparable brand revenue growth of 6.1%.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Anthea Jones has assumed the role of president at Bi-Lo. He will continue to serve as SVP operations. 

Jones comes to the position from the Bi-Lo side of the recent merger between regional supermarkets Bi-Lo and Winn-Dixie. He signed on with Bi-Lo in 1999 after 17 years at Food Lion. He also is the immediate past board chairman for the Global Market Development Center. 

Jones succeeds Michael Byars in the position. Randall Onstead continues as president and CEO of the combined company, Bi-Lo Holdings.

ST. PAUL, Minn. — 3M has introduced a new line of Post-It brand products designed for today's mobile workers and busy families.

The new Post-it Mobile Collection features a variety of compact and durable products specially designed to stick, insert and clip to the everyday items you carry. The Attach and Go Products work together, allowing you to customize a portable organization system that helps you Do More, Your Way.

NEW YORK — Online retailer NoMoreRack has announced its plans to expand their business and online presence. NoMoreRack has received $12 million in new capital. They plan to use this investment money to increase their workforce and expand into foreign markets.