News

Hingham, Mass. -- The Talbots Inc. said private-equity firm Sycamore Partners extended the date of the commencement of its offer to buy the women's apparel retailer by two days.

Sycamore will now begin its offer for all outstanding Talbots' shares on June 15, Talbots said in a statement.
 

Canadians love a deal even more than American’s judging from the strong same-store sales and surging profits produced by the nation’s leading dollar store operator.

The 721 unit Montreal-based Dollarama chain said its first quarter same-store sales increased by a weather-aided 8.1%, and total first quarter sales increase 14.9% to $398 million for the period ended April 29. Earnings per share increased 40% to 56 cents from 40 cents. The gross margin rate increased to 36.3% of sales from 35.7% and expenses declined to 18.5% of sales compared to 19.7%.

Armonk, N.Y. -- IBM announced it has completed its acquisition of Tealeaf Technology, a provider of digital customer experience management and customer behavior analysis solutions.

The acquisition extends IBM’s Smarter Commerce initiative with qualitative analytics software that helps organizations deliver an optimal digital experience to their customers via the web and mobile devices.

PURCHASE, N.Y. — Mauro Porcini has been named chief design officer at PepsiCo, the company announced.

Porcini, who served as chief design officer at 3M, will responsible for infusing design thinking into PepsiCo's organization and culture by globally managing design with a creative, innovative and consumer-centered approach for PepsiCo's brands, with a strong focus on its top 12 global brands: Pepsi, Lay's, Gatorade, Quaker, Tropicana, Lipton, Sierra Mist/7UP, Doritos, Cheetos, Mountain Dew, Sun and Mirinda.

NEW YORK — H&M is launching an exclusive collection this fall from French fashion house Maison Martin Margiela, the apparel retailer said.

Making its official debut Nov. 15, the autumn/winter 2012 collection will include garments and accessories for both men and women, and will be sold at 230 H&M stores, as well as online at HM.com.

Roseville, Calif. -- Revionics, a provider of price optimization systems, announced it has acquired the business and related assets of Retail Optimization, New Haven, Conn., a provider of cloud-based assortment and space optimization systems. Terms were not disclosed.

DALLAS — The Army and Air Force Exchange Service is offering shoppers a chance to win a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

From June 15 to 28, military shoppers can visit their local AAFES and enter to win in the 7UP Harley-Davidson Sweepstakes. One lcustomer will win a 2012 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight, valued at $11,000. Entry is limited to shoppers ages 18 years and older who have a valid driver's license.

New York -- J.Crew Group is expanding into Asia through a partnership with Hong Kong- based specialty store operator Lane Crawford.

Beginning in October, a curated selection of the J.Crew autumn/winter 2012 women's ready-to-wear and shoes, men's apparel and accessory collections will be available at select Lane Crawford stores in Hong Kong and China. It is the first time J.Crew goods will be featured in a retail environment outside of North America.