News

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

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.

New York City -- The shareholders of South African Massmart chain have overwhelmingly accepted Wal-Mart's offer to buy 51% of their company, the chief executive said Monday, paving the way for Wal-Mart to enter Africa.

Massmart said the proposal was approved by 97% of shareholders who voted Monday -- 75% approval had been needed. Wal-Mart offered 148 rand (about $20) per share in a 17 billion rand (about $2 billion) deal.

The deal will have to be approved by South Africa's anti-monopoly regulators.

Washington, D.C. -- Import cargo volume at the nation’s major retail container ports is expected to be up 8% in January over the same month last year, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released by NRF and Hackett Associates.

MINNEAPOLIS  —Target announced that its chief marketing officer, Michael Francis, will serve as the executive committee sponsor of Target’s entrance into the Canadian market.  In this role, Francis will oversee the extension of Target’s brand as part of the corporation’s first-ever expansion of its stores beyond the United States, the company reported. 

Jackson-Hewitt tax preparation kiosks are now open in more than 2,000 Walmart stores in anticipation of an onslaught of consumers eager for their refund to arrive as soon as possible. Nearly half of those who receive a refund get it in February, according to IRS data cited by Walmart, so the retailer is touting the presence of Jackson-Hewitt kiosks in its stores and a preparation fee of $38 for the most basic of returns, the 1040EZ, with only two W2s.

Kansas City, Kan. -- Zave Networks announced Wednesday an agreement with IBM to collaborate on a digital-incentive solution designed to provide coupon shoppers with an easier way to cash in on savings at the supermarket.

Under the agreement, Zave Networks’ Zavers digital incentive and information management platform will be deployed with IBM’s SurePOS ACE retail application, significantly reducing the time, complexity, and retailer IT resource requirements for launching a digital coupon program.

New York City -- Chicago's City Council on Thursday approved a $1 million property tax break for Costco Wholesale Corp. to build its second store in the city, Chicago Business reported.

The tax break was introduced by Mayor Richard M. Daley at a December City Council meeting. He asked that the retailer receive a $1 million tax break over 12 years for a store to be built at 14th Street and Ashland Avenue.