News

Reflecting the brand tagline, “Never Stop Exploring,” the new global prototype of The North Face is meant to inspire customers to get outside and experience the great outdoors. Designed by Gensler, the store has a sleek, streamlined modern look and is composed of natural elements and textures. Trail markers, built of wood, stone and metal, distinguish the retailer’s core categories: outdoor, action sports and performance.

New York City -- Tesco announced that it has acquired a majority stake in video-on-demand pioneer Blinkbox. The acquisition positions Tesco for the next stage in the Internet-driven revolution in home entertainment, the retailer said.

Blinkbox is the United Kingdom’s leading movie streaming service, offering thousands of titles streamed on the Internet.

Tesco has bought an 80% stake in Blinkbox from Eden Ventures and Nordic Venture Partners.

A Reuter’s report this week quotes the manager of a Target store in Rogers, Ark., regarding the fact that Mike Duke, president and CEO of Wal-Mart Stores Inc., is an occasional visitor in his store. Well of course he is. And so are hundreds if not thousands of other Walmart employees.

New York City -- Borders Group won approval of an amended executive bonus plan after a judge sought changes to resolve objections from an arm of the U.S. government that oversees bankruptcies, Bloomberg reported.

Judge Martin Glenn of U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Manhattan said the amended bonus packages, which tie the $6.6 million in payments closer to the financial performance of Borders, were needed so Borders could "maintain its experienced work force."

RadioShack reported a $28.9 million increase in kiosk sales driven in large part by the roll-out of the company’s mobile centers in Target stores. This boost helped drive RadioShack’s total sales to $1.06 billion from $1.04 billion.

At the end of its fiscal first quarter, RadioShack operated 887 Target Mobile centers inside Target stores compared with 104 at March 31, 2010. The company said it expects to expand Target Mobile to approximately 1,450 locations by the end of June 2011.

TOPEKA, Kan. — Payless ShoeSource is expanding its beauty offering with the availability of a new beauty brand, SXY by Unforgettable Moments, arriving in stores this week. Featuring nearly 20 affordable beauty and body items, the new line represents yet more competition for chain drug beauty.

The SXY items are available in 1,500 stores and start as low as $4, with nearly all products priced under $10. The new brand joins two other beauty collections in the Payless beauty portfolio: Unforgettable Moments and Zoe & Zac Naturals.

Indianapolis -- Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller says the state will get $858,000 from CVS Pharmacy to settle allegations that the company overcharged Medicaid programs, the Associated Press reported.

The amount represents Indiana's share of a $17.5 million settlement reached last week with 10 states and the federal government.

PHOENIX -- PetSmart announced that is introducing an exclusive line of pet apparel and accessories from Martha Stewart. 

“Dogs love their walks -- rain or shine. But the spring season can bring with it a few challenges for pets and their parents when it comes to enjoying outdoor activities,” said Gayle Franger, VP merchandise marketing for PetSmart. “With quality clothing options that protect dogs from the elements, PetSmart is helping pet parents keep their pets comfortable, regardless of the weather forecast.”