Content about Business Relation

New York -- The latest round in the battle between Macy’s and J.C. Penney over the sale of Martha Stewart goods went to Macy’s, which on Monday challenged a judge’s decision on Friday to allow certain non-branded Martha Steward items to be sold — at least temporarily — in J.C. Penney stores under the JCP Everyday label.

King Of Prussia, Pa. -- GSI Commerce, an eBay Inc. company, said it has extended its contract with PetSmart to support the retailer’s omnichannel strategy with webstore, fulfillment and customer service solutions. GSI has worked with PetSmart since 2007, and this contract will extend the relationship for three years.
   

New York -- Terry Lundgren, CEO of Macy’s, took the stand on Monday to testify in the trial of two Macy's lawsuits regarding the deal between J.C. Penney Co. and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc. The long-awaited trial began last Wednesday, in New York Supreme Court.

The trial is about whether Macy’s has the exclusive right to sell Martha Stewart branded cookware, bedding and certain other products.
 

New York -- OfficeMax Inc. and Office Depot have formally announced an agreement under which the two companies would combine in an all-stock merger that would transform the office supply sector of retail. The merger, which creates a single company with nearly $18 billion in revenue, was unanimously approved by the board of directors of both chains.

New York -- Retail design consultancy and brand agency CBX has been retained by hunger relief organization Philabundance to design a prototype for Fare & Square, a not-for-profit grocery store slated to open this summer in Chester, Pa.

Armonk, N.Y. -- IBM announced Wednesday that jewelry chain Signet Jewelers has teamed with IBM on a major e-commerce strategy and digital marketing redesign for Signet's national U.S. store chains, Kay Jewelers and Jared the Galleria of Jewelry.

The initiative has resulted in consistent sales growth, including a year-over-year increase of 49% in online sales as reported in the company's recently announced holiday sales for fiscal 2013.

Las Vegas -- Walmart and Straight Talk Wireless, America's largest no-contract cell phone provider, announced that starting on Jan. 11, customers in more than 2,000 Walmart stores and online at Walmart.com will have access to the iPhone 5 and iPhone 4 on Straight Talk's $45 no contract unlimited talk, text and data plan. In addition, Walmart will be offering customers who purchase the phone in the store, a no interest fixed-monthly payments special financing offer for only $25 a month with a Walmart credit card.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Walmart and American Express have teamed up to offer customers an alternative to debit and checking accounts. The new service, called Bluebird, is designed to provide financial services to customers who often do not have traditional bank accounts. It will allow for deposits by smartphone and mobile bill paying, with no minimum balance or monthly, annual or overdraft fees.

Hong Kong -- Taubman Asia confirmed a joint venture agreement between Taubman TCBL and Beijing Wangfujing Department Store (Group) Co., Ltd (Wangfujing), one of China's largest department store chains.
 
The joint venture will own a controlling interest in and manage a shopping center to be located at Xi'an Saigao City Plaza, a large-scale mixed-use development in Xi'an, China, which is developed by Shaanxi Fuli Real Estate Development Co. Ltd. This is the first retail development by Taubman TCBL in China since the company was formed in late 2011.

Houston -- Stage Stores and Alliance Data Systems Corp. announced Monday they have forged private-label credit card renewal agreement.

Deerfield, Ill. -- Walgreens and Alliance Boots on Thursday announced the completion of Walgreens initial investment in the strategic partnership following receipt of all required regulatory approvals.

The Walgreens investment consists of approximately $4 billion in cash and 83.4 million shares of Walgreens common stock in exchange for a 45% equity stake in Alliance Boots. Walgreens has the option to proceed to a full combination in approximately three years’ time by acquiring the remaining 55% of Alliance Boots.

Retailers can’t seem to get enough of partnerships these days…be it with hot designers, each other or television shows. Below is a quick recap of three new couplings that have the industry buzzing.

1. Nordstrom and Topshop: Looking to add more fashion sizzle to its offerings, Nordstrom has entered into a joint venture with Topshop, the British fast-fashion giant known for its runway-inspired threads and rock ‘n’ roll attitude.