aggregatedcontent

Fossil announced that it's completed, effective April 2, the previously announced acquisition of Skagen Designs and certain of its international affiliates for $231.7 million in cash, which includes a working capital adjustment of approximately $6.7 million, and 150,000 shares of Fossil, Inc. common stock. In addition, the sellers may receive up to 100,000 additional shares of Fossil common stock if Fossil's net sales of Skagen-branded products exceed certain thresholds. Skagen Designs manufactures, markets and distributes watches, jewelry, sunglasses and clocks. 

Overstock.com announced on Monday it had received notification from the Securities and Exchange Commission's Salt Lake Regional Office that it has closed its 2009 investigation of Overstock.com and does not intend to recommend to the Commission any enforcement action against it. Overstock.com said it had become aware of the investigation in September 2009 when it received a subpoena following its disclosure of restatements of certain of its financial statements. 

HSN announced that it's acquired Chasing Fireflies, a direct-to-consumer premium children's and family lifestyle brand, through HSNI's operating segment, Cornerstone Brands. The acquisition allows HSNI to participate in a fast-growing business with unique and proprietary products, customer loyalty, and high digital penetration. Terms of the transaction weren't disclosed.

Recreational Equipment Inc. has promoted Bill Baumann and Brad Brown to senior vice president, information technology and e-commerce and direct sales, respectively. In addition, Kathleen Peterson has been named vice president of private brands for REI. "Bill and Brad's promotions recognize the strategic importance of the information technology and e-commerce divisions to provide the infrastructure required to support REI's growth over the next five years," said Brian Unmacht, REI's executive vice president. "Kathleen's remarkable 25-year career with premier global brands serves her well as she leads the expansion of our award-winning branded gear and apparel offerings." 

Specialty apparel and accessories retailer Charming Charlie has appointed four retail executives as part of the ongoing development of the company’s internal structure and another step in its ongoing national expansion, including the opening of 60 retail locations in 2012. 

Best Buy last week gave details of its "Connected Store," a slightly smaller format which CEO Brian Dunn described as "remodeled big-box stores that focus on connections, services and an enhanced multichannel experience." As part of a test, two full markets in the Twin Cities and San Antonio will be reset with the new format later this year. 

NEW YORK , April 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Avon Products, Inc. (NYSE: AVP) today announced that its Board of Directors elected Douglas R. Conant to the Board, effective immediately. Mr. Conant, age 60, is the retired President and Chief Executive Officer of the Campbell Soup Company, where he served from 2001 - 2011 and led the company through a dramatic business transformation that generated quality sales growth, ten consecutive years of adjusted earnings per share growth, strong cash flow and record returns on invested capital.  Prior to that, Mr. Conant served from 1992-2000 at Nabisco in a series

Tags: Marketing, Retail - Apparel, Specialty Stores, Supermarkets & Grocery Stores Loblaw's Joe Fresh, Canada's biggest grocer, opened a flagship store last week on Manhattan's Fifth Avenue, but instead of meat and produce, it's selling $29-women's dresses and $12-men's shirts, according to Bloomberg. Target and Walmart first sold clothes and then moved into groceries; Loblaw has done the opposite in hopes of competing with the two major retailers. Joe Mimran, who founded Club Monaco Inc., has designed the store's clothing line, which sold so well that Loblaw decided to open standalone stores and now has 12 in Canada. Last

After much speculation, Michaels Stores confirmed that it has filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to the proposed initial public offering of its common stock. According to the filing, the company proposed to raise $500 million in the IPO. The number of shares to be sold and the price range for the proposed offering haven't yet been determined.

Hallmark Cards announced the acquisition of SpiritClips, a broadband subscription-based online video service and film production company that offers heartwarming short films, family-friendly movies and documentaries. Based in Los Angeles, this small startup business was founded in 2007 by Rob Fried, an Academy-award winning producer and studio executive, whose many films include "Rudy" and "Hoosiers." Fried will continue in his current capacity as SpiritClips CEO, and the firm will remain in California.