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REDMOND, Wash. -- Target has enlisted the services of Microsoft to help run business-critical workloads for all its retail stores on 15,000 virtual machines using Microsoft virtualization and management technologies, giving its IT department greater agility and economies of scale, Microsoft announced. According to Microsoft, Target is using Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V and Microsoft System Center to virtualize inventory, point-of-sale, supply-chain management, asset protection, in-store digital media and more.

MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif. — Shortly after announcing the launch of its weight-loss system for men, Sensa is introducing a fruity lineup of energy enhanced vitamin drinks.

Sensa Quench, available in orange crush, pink grapefruit and berry splash flavors, is a sugar-free drink mix that when added to 12-oz. of water, includes a powerful blend of natural ingredients to energize, help increase the metabolism and hydrate, according to the company.

The Sensa Quench weight-loss system is available in a 30-pack for $39.95.

Consumers today are smarter and savvier than ever. Over the past decade, the continually growing use of the Internet has made it easier and faster to comparison shop. During the “Great Recession,” shoppers learned to lean even more heavily on the Web to do research and find good deals. Now, as the economy recovers, these sharp consumers are not about to go back to their old ways. In addition, future technology advances will only make it easier for consumers to comparison shop. So what’s a retailer to do?

Redmond, Wash. -- Microsoft Corp. announced Monday that Target Corp. is running business-critical workloads for all its retail stores on 15,000 virtual machines using Microsoft virtualization and management technologies, giving its IT department greater agility and economies of scale. Target has virtualized inventory, point-of-sale, supply chain management, asset protection, in-store digital media and more on Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V and Microsoft System Center.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Target's deal with Lady Gaga may have fallen through, but that doesn't mean the retailer has lost its ability to court the music industry. Case in point, the company announced yesterday that it is partnering with GRAMMY and Academy Award-winning singer and actress Jennifer Hudson for the exclusive, deluxe edition of her second studio album, "I Remember Me." The deluxe edition, including four additional new songs and bonus video material, will be available only at Target stores nationwide and on Target.com beginning March 22.

HUDSON, Ohio -- Jo-Ann Stores announced that its shareholders approved the adoption of the merger agreement between an affiliate of Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. and the company. Of the shares that were voted, over 99% were in favor of the adoption of the merger agreement. Approximately 82% of the total outstanding shares, as of the record date, voted in favor of the merger agreement. The company anticipates the closing of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, will occur later today.

Warrendale, Pa. -- Apparel retailer Rue21 plans to double the size of its current 189,600-sq.-ft. distribution center in Weirton, W. Va. Development plans call for the construction of 180,000 sq. ft. of additional storage space, additional receiving docks, and improved truck circulation areas.

A first of its kind conference focused on shopper behavior is scheduled for May 12 in Fayetteville, Ark., home of the Center for Retailing Excellence within the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas. The conference is called SHOP and features a number of thought leaders in the field of consumer research and shopper insights and was designed to complement the Center’s Emerging Trends in Retailing Conference that is held each fall.