News

Dollar Tree doubles size in Temple Terrace for Deal$ concept
Tampa, Fla. -- RMC Property Group said that Dollar Tree has signed a lease to expand and relocate its store within the Temple Terrace Shopping Center, located in Tampa, Fla.

Dollar Tree will relocate to the vacant former Save-A-Lot unit, increasing the size of its store from 7,992 sq. ft. to 14,425 sq. ft.

The new store will open under the chain’s Deal$ concept, which sells some items for more than $1, offering merchandise that Dollar Tree does not sell under the $1 restricted price of its primary stores.
Epson thermal printer helps Friendly’s Express increase order accuracy
Long Beach, Calif. -- Epson America announced that Friendly's Express, a new fast-casual concept from Friendly Ice Cream Corp., is using Epson's TM-T88 ReStick thermal printer with MAXStick liner-free, biodegradable and recyclable labels to identify orders in all five of its locations. By installing an intelligent label interface into the Epson ReStick printer, Friendly's Express was able to configure its point-of-sale (POS) systems to print individual item labels for only its carryout orders.

Blockbuster gets extension for restructuring plan

Dallas -- Blockbuster has received an extension to Feb. 4 to file its restructuring plan in order to emerge from bankruptcy protection, according to a regulatory filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The retailer filed for Chapter 11 protection in September.
Report: Wal-Mart to open banks in Chile and Argentina

Santiago, Chile -- A report by Santiago newspaper Estrategia said that Wal-Mart Stores is considering opening banks in Chile and Argentina.

The report, circulated by Bloomberg, said that Wal-Mart completed a study into banking services in Argentina. In Chile, Wal-Mart operates the Presto credit card, which it acquired in the takeover of supermarket chain Distribucion y Servicio D&S SA in 2009.
J. Crew potential settlement could extend bidding period

New York City -- A Tuesday report by Bloomberg said that J. Crew Group is close to settling a shareholder lawsuit over its proposed $3 billion takeover by private-equity firms TPG Capital and Leonard Green & Partners LP.

Citing two unnamed sources, the report said that as part of the settlement, J. Crew would extend the period to solicit competing offers until Feb. 15 and add provisions that make it easier to accept a rival bid.
Driving merger and acquisition successes in 2011

By George F. Brown, Jr., [email protected]

The increased pace of merger and acquisition activity late in 2010, including some huge deals, suggests that 2011 will be an active year. Low interest rates, significant cash on many firms’ balance sheets, and stock prices that are low enough to attract buyers but high enough to move sellers off the sidelines all reinforce that possibility.
Family Dollar names SVP apparel, home and seasonal

MATTHEWS, N.C. -- Family Dollar Stores announced that it has named Paul White to the position of SVP apparel, home and seasonal. White will report to Dorlisa Flur, EVP and chief merchandising officer.
Albert Heijn, innovative Ahold leader, dies at 83

AMSTERDAM — Former Ahold senior executive Albert Heijn, who helped lead the overhaul of the Dutch-based supermarket giant in the 1960s and 1970s, died peacefully last week at his home in the United Kingdom, the company announced. He was 83.
One Cup: An eco-friendly answer to disposable cups

LOS ANGELES — Looking to offer a greener option for users of Styrofoam and noncompostable insulated cups, Repurpose Compostables has launched a new insulated hot cup that is 100% compostable.

One Cup requires no sleeve, uses 65% less carbon dioxide than a traditional cup and can be composted in 90 days, the company said. The insulated cups also feature Ingeo-based lining, which eliminates the need for "double cupping," to assure the beverage, and not the drinker's hands, stay hot.
Dick’s Sporting Goods selects price management provider

ROSEVILLE, Calif. -- Revionics a provider in retail life cycle price optimization solutions, announced that Dick’s Sporting Goods has selected Revionics as their price management provider. Revionics will provide Dick’s with its Everyday Price Management and Markdown solution, which includes Revionics’ category planning tools, weekly price maintenance capabilities, and science-based clearance price solution across all channels
Long-time retail, marketing exec named to Motorola board

LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. -- Motorola Mobility Holdings has announced the appointment of Jeanne Jackson, president of direct-to-consumer for Nike, to the company's board of directors effective immediately.

"We are pleased to welcome Jeanne to our board and look forward to benefiting from her extensive retail industry knowledge and experience," said Sanjay Jha, chairman and CEO of Motorola Mobility. "Jeanne's background and insight will prove invaluable to Motorola Mobility as we continue to position the company for future growth and success."
Walgreens names chief customer experience officer, promotes three executives

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens announced several executive appointments Monday, which included naming a former United Airlines executive to the post of chief customer experience officer.