Mergers & Acquisitions

Target Becomes First Store to Open in a Historic Landmark
February 17, 2011

Target’s new small-format store in Chicago will be the first store in a U.S. historic landmark — the newly restored Carson Pirie Scott building, now known as Sullivan Center. Target also announced that its small-format locations across the U.S. including the new Chicago store, will be named CityTarget.

Wal-Mart Inching Closer to Buying South Africa’s Massmart
February 17, 2011

South Africa’s competition watchdog has recommended that Wal-Mart Stores’ proposed takeover of the country’s retail chain Massmart be unconditionally approved without conditions. Wal-Mart made a $2.4 billion bid for Massmart in November, and a vast majority of the target company’s shareholders voted to approve the deal last month.

Home Depot to Make 60,000 Seasonal Hires
February 16, 2011

The Home Depot said it will hire more than 60,000 seasonal associates in time for the company's second annual Spring Black Friday event. The retailer will implement the spring promotion market-by-market over four different weekends in the spring. The event marks the start of home improvement's busiest shopping season. 

Abercrombie & Fitch to Close 56 Stores
February 15, 2011

Abercrombie & Fitch has had strong financial results since mid-2010, but it was one of the slowest major retailers to respond to the new reality of the recession, and as a result its recovery lagged far behind most of its competitors.

Amid Bankruptcy, Blockbuster Deploys 3,000 Kiosks
February 15, 2011

Blockbuster plans to cash in on the DVD rental kiosk trend in 2011 by installing 3,000 more of its Express kiosks, even as the retailer closed stores and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September.

Barnes & Noble Wants Amazon's Rejected Affiliates
February 15, 2011

Barnes & Noble issued an open letter to Amazon affiliates attempting to capitalize on problems the online retailer faces with some state tax authorities. States such as New York have told Amazon it must collect state sales tax because its affiliates count as a physical presence. In response, Amazon has shut off affiliates in states that have enacted such laws.

Green Mountain, Starbucks In Team-up Talks: Report
February 15, 2011

SAN FRANCISCO -- Shares of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. climbed 7.4% Monday, spiking shortly before the close of trading in New York. Green Mountain and Starbucks Corp. have been in "ongoing partnership negotiations," Reuters reported, citing a source close to the talks. Reuters also said that Starbucks aims to be a big player in the fast-growing single-serve coffee segment that Green Mountain dominates. Shares of Green Mountain last traded at $46.62, while Starbucks shares added 0.8% to $33.61. Copyright © 2011 MarketWatch, Inc.

American Eagle Shares Surge as Speculation Mounts Over Retail Takeover
February 11, 2011

American Eagle Outfitters surged the most in almost two years in New York trading on speculation the teen clothing retailer may be a takeover target. The shares rose $1.34, or 9.1 percent, to $16.03 in New York Stock Exchange composite trading for the largest gain since April 2009.

Tommy Hilfiger the Latest to Set Up Shop on eBay
February 11, 2011

Tommy Hilfiger opened a store on eBay last month, joining Calvin Klein, Timberland, Brooks Brothers, Marc Ecko, Aldo, Jockey and other fashion brands in selling directly on eBay. eBay has transformed its clothing, shoes, and accessories category into a fashion portal with flash sales on the fashion vault, and new designs, enhanced navigation and the ability to create personalized fashion shopping profiles.

Report: Blockbuster Attempting to Sell Itself
February 11, 2011

Blockbuster plans to put itself up for sale after a disagreement with its creditors, according to a report that said the movie rental chain can't agree on a plan to get cash to help it exit Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.