Content about North America

May 22, 2013

Staples was hurt by a stronger dollar and weak same-store sales in North America and Europe.

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — Staples was hurt by a stronger dollar and weak same-store sales in North America and Europe. 

The office products company reported that its first-quarter profit for the period ended May 4 was $169.9 million, down from $187.1 million in the year-ago period. Its results missed Wall Street forecasts.

Total sales fell 3.5% to $5.81 billion, also falling short of estimates. In North America, same-store sales were down 2% on weak demand for computers, software and technology accessories.

May 15, 2013

SpongeBob and Patrick are heading to Build-A-Bear Workshop thanks to an agreement between the retailer and Nickelodeon. Beginning Friday, May 17, customers will be able to make their own SpongeBob and Patrick dolls at Build-A-Bear Workshop stores.

ST. LOUIS — SpongeBob and Patrick are heading to Build-A-Bear Workshop thanks to an agreement between the retailer and Nickelodeon. Beginning Friday, May 17, customers will be able to make their own SpongeBob and Patrick dolls at Build-A-Bear Workshop stores throughout North America and on the retailer’s e-commerce site for $23 apiece.  

SpongeBob’s Bikini Bottom friends Sandy Cheeks and Gary the Snail will also be available as pre-stuffed minis for $10 each.

May 13, 2013

FamilyPet Network has re-launched its revamped e-commerce platform, Coupaw.com — a site that offers pet owners deals on a wide variety of pet care products and services.

GREAT NECK, N.Y. — FamilyPet Network has re-launched its revamped e-commerce platform, Coupaw.com — a site that offers pet owners deals on a wide variety of pet care products and services.

The newly designed site features a streamlined user interface, an improved shopping cart and faster order-to-checkout processing speeds. Coupaw.com offers daily deals to users on items like pet supplies, treats, pet sitting services and home goods.

May 13, 2013

TCC, a global leader in retail marketing programs, has appointed former PepsiCo executive Van B. Sapp as president of TCC Americas. In his new role, Sapp will be responsible for TCC's operations in North and South America.

WESTPORT, Conn. — TCC, a global leader in retail marketing programs, has appointed former PepsiCo executive Van B. Sapp as president of TCC Americas. In his new role, Sapp will be responsible for TCC's operations in North and South America, adding capabilities with licensed properties and integrating digital components to current customer initiatives.  

May 2, 2013

Dick's Sporting Goods has named former ConAgra executive Andre J. Hawaux as its new EVP of finance and administration and CFO. Hawaux will oversee Finance, Legal, Strategic Planning and Risk and Compliance. He succeeds Timothy Kullman, who is retiring, in June.

Hawaux has more than 30 years of experience, most recently as president of consumer foods at ConAgra, one of North America's leading packaged food companies. Previously, he served as ConAgra Foods' EVP and CFO and was responsible for the company's finance and information system and services organizations.

May 2, 2013

Kellogg’s North American first quarter results were solid, but its performance overseas, particularly in the U.K., helped bolster its results. The company reported net sales of $4 billion, an increase of 12%.

Kellogg’s North American first quarter results were solid, but its performance overseas, particularly in the U.K., helped bolster its results. The company reported net sales of $4 billion, an increase of 12%. Meanwhile, internal net sales, which exclude the effects of foreign currency translation, acquisitions, dispositions and integration costs, rose by 2.2 percent over the same period. 

May 1, 2013

A collaboration between Life is good Company and J.M. Smucker Company will bring a line of coffee products to retail shelves throughout North America.

BOSTON & ORRVILLE, Ohio — A collaboration between Life is good Company and J.M. Smucker Company will bring a line of coffee products to retail shelves throughout North America.

May 1, 2013

During the Spectrum Brands second-quarter earnings call, the Madison, Wis.-based company showed interest in bringing back some offshore production.

During the Spectrum Brands second-quarter earnings call, the Madison, Wis.-based company showed interest in bringing back some offshore production. 
 
Responding to a question about the rising costs of wages and freight for overseas small appliance manufacturing, Spectrum Brands CEO David Lumley said: “We are looking at that.”
 
He added that a first opportunity might be for North America manufacturing — Mexico or the Caribbean.

April 29, 2013

Big Lots, North America's largest broadline closeout retailer, has launched its sixth annual Lots2Give program to benefit schools in need of financial support.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Big Lots, North America's largest broadline closeout retailer, has launched its sixth annual Lots2Give program to benefit schools in need of financial support. 
 

April 22, 2013

Tide will get in on the 2013 NFL Draft action by offering an endorsement deal to the first player drafted to each of the 32 NFL teams, in celebration of their new colors.

CINCINNATI — Tide will get in on the 2013 NFL Draft action by offering an endorsement deal to the first player drafted to each of the 32 NFL teams, in celebration of their new colors. 

Tide will also reward fans with a gift delivered via Twitter by each of the contracted rookies during the first and second rounds of the draft. The rookies will also ask the fans to share what team colors mean to them by tweeting out using hashtag #AboutOurColors.

April 19, 2013

Lowe's has released its Corporate Social Responsibility Report Card, which covers education, environment and more.

Lowe's has released its Corporate Social Responsibility Report Card, which covers education, environment and more. 

“To achieve greater progress for our communities and our company, we continue to build on our commitment to never stop improving,” said Robert Niblock, Lowe’s chairman, president and CEO. “We’re focused on carrying out those responsibilities every day with the help of our 245,000 employees across North America.” 

April 17, 2013

Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions, a leading supplier of integrated in-store solutions, is about to make it possible for grocery shoppers to check out securely with just a single tap on their smartphones.

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions, a leading supplier of integrated in-store solutions, is about to make it possible for grocery shoppers to check out securely with just a single tap on their smartphones. 

April 15, 2013

Kool-Aid’s latest brand campaign, called "Smile. It's Kool-Aid," introduces a new look and feel for the brand as well as for its spokespitcher, Kool-Aid Man, in time for its launch of Kool-Aid Liquid Drink Mix.

NORTHFIELD, Ill. — Kool-Aid’s latest brand campaign, called "Smile. It's Kool-Aid," introduces a new look and feel for the brand as well as for its spokespitcher, Kool-Aid Man, in time for its launch of Kool-Aid Liquid Drink Mix.

Owned by Kraft Foods Group, North America's fourth largest consumer packaged food and beverage company, Kool-Aid partnered with Saatchi & Saatchi New York and VSA Partners of Chicago to revamp its image. 

April 3, 2013

Fujifilm North America has earned Walmart's "Vendor of the Year" award for its photo-finishing services in the mass-merchandise retailer's stores, Fujifilm said.

VALHALLA, N.Y. — Fujifilm North America has earned Walmart's "Vendor of the Year" award for its photo-finishing services in the mass-merchandise retailer's stores, Fujifilm said.

The company, a division of Japan-based Fujifilm, said it received the award in the photo-finishing category at Walmart's Supplier Summit in Orlando, Fla., last month. Fujifilm said the award recognized its manufacturing, quality and distribution capabilities.

March 21, 2013

Claire's Stores reported net sales of $493.4 million for the fiscal 2012 fourth quarter, an increase of $58.5 million, or 13.4% compared with the fiscal 2011 fourth quarter.

CHICAGO — Claire's Stores reported net sales of $493.4 million for the fiscal 2012 fourth quarter, an increase of $58.5 million, or 13.4% compared with the fiscal 2011 fourth quarter. 

During fiscal 2012 fourth quarter, the company entered two new countries, opening three stores in China and two stores in Italy.

Consolidated same-store sales increased 5.4% for the quarter, with North America same-store sales increasing 5.9%, and Europe same-store sales increasing 4.4%.  

March 15, 2013

Whirlpool has appointed Esther Berrozpe as president of the company's Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region and to the company's executive Committee.

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Whirlpool  has appointed Esther Berrozpe as president of the company's Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region and to the company's executive Committee. Berrozpe is currently VP European markets for the company's EMEA region.

"Esther is a proven global leader at Whirlpool Corp. Her experience in both Europe and North America is strong, and she is well-suited to lead our European business," said Jeff Fettig, chairman and CEO of Whirlpool Corp.

March 12, 2013

The EPA's Center for Corporate Climate Leadership recognized Office Depot with a Climate Leadership Goal Achievement Award for Excellence in Greenhouse Gas Management.

BOCA RATON, Fla. — The EPA's Center for Corporate Climate Leadership recognized Office Depot with a Climate Leadership Goal Achievement Award for Excellence in Greenhouse Gas Management. The award was also presented by the Association of Climate Change Officers the Center for Climate & Energy Solutions, and The Climate Registry.

February 28, 2013

The overall penetration of POS devices continued to expand 3.9% in North America and 4.6% around the globe in 2012, according to The POS Vendor Shipments Database, released Wednesday by IHL Group. Growth is expected to continue at 3.6% worldwide for 2013.

FRANKLIN, Tenn. -- The overall penetration of POS devices continued to expand 3.9% in North America and 4.6% around the globe in 2012, according to The POS Vendor Shipments Database, released Wednesday by IHL Group. Growth is expected to continue at 3.6% worldwide for 2013.  

February 25, 2013

LAS VEGAS — Point-of-sale solutions provider, uTouchPOS, announced that is now offering a "Business Starter Bundle" for just $299.

uTouchPOS has partnered with North America's leading payment processing companies: First Data Independent Sales and Mercury Payment Systems to offer a complete uTouchPOS point of sale system for $299.

February 14, 2013

Coach announced that Victor Luis has been appointed president and chief commercial officer.

NEW YORK — Coach announced that Victor Luis has been appointed president and chief commercial officer. Concurrently, he has joined the board of directors. He will become CEO in January 2014. Lew Frankfort will continue as chairman and CE during this interim period and will then become executive chairman.

February 13, 2013

Former Sam's Club exec, Linda Hefner Filler, has joined Claire’s Stores, as North America president, effective March 1. She will report to Jim Fielding, CEO.

CHICAGO — Former Sam's Club exec, Linda Hefner Filler, has joined Claire’s Stores, as North America president, effective March 1. She will report to Jim Fielding, CEO.

In her role as resident, Hefner Filler will be responsible for all operational and strategic initiatives for the Claire’s business in the approximately 1,500 Claire’s stores in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

January 24, 2013

In the height of the one of the worst flu seasons in recent years, Kleenex is hand-delivering care packs to unsuspecting fans all across North America. Three fans will receive what could be the surprise of a lifetime.

 

BY JASON OWEN

DALLAS — In the height of the one of the worst flu seasons in recent years, Kleenex is hand-delivering care packs to unsuspecting fans all across North America. Three fans will receive what could be the surprise of a lifetime.

January 11, 2013

National Envelope, a privately held envelopes manufacturer in North America, has appointed former Tyco executive Jim Pinto to president and COO.

FRISCO, Texas — National Envelope, a privately held envelopes manufacturer in North America, has appointed former Tyco executive Jim Pinto to president and COO.

An affiliate of global investment firm the Gores Group, National Envelope regards itself as an environmental leader in the paper and envelope converting industries and has certifications from the Forest Stewardship Council, Rainforest Alliance, Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification and Green Seal.

January 3, 2013

Gap has added one more brand to its existing portfolio, purchasing Intermix Holdco for approximately $130 million in cash.

SAN FRANCISCO — Gap has added one more brand to its existing portfolio, purchasing Intermix Holdco for approximately $130 million in cash.

Intermix is a New York-based multi-brand specialty retailer of luxury and contemporary women’s apparel and accessories. It operates 32 boutiques across North America, along with an e-commerce site, offering a mix of luxury brands, including up-and-coming designers. Gap intends to expand Intermix’s network of stores, as well as add significant visibility and enhancements to its online site.

January 2, 2013

Dollar Tree intends to expand its 603,000-sq.-ft. distribution center in Marietta, Oklahoma by an additional 400,000 sq. ft.

CHESAPEAKE, Va. — Dollar Tree intends to expand its 603,000-sq.-ft. distribution center in Marietta, Oklahoma by an additional 400,000 sq. ft.

The leading operator of discount variety stores in North America which sells everything for no more than $1 will create more than 100 new full-time positions as a result of the expansion.