House of Fraser is a department store group with 62 enviable locations across the UK and Ireland. As one of the best known names on the high street, House of Fraser has presented customers with an unrivalled nationwide department store for more than 150 years. The company was acquired by the Highland consortium in November 2006 marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in its history.

Managing the pain associated with numerous diseases is a challenge – both for the people who live with the pain and for the physicians who treat them. Having a trusted pharmaceutical expert who can provide prescribed specialty medications in an efficient manner can mean the difference between finding relief sooner rather than later. In 2005, QVL Pharmacy was created as a solution to what we saw as significantly unmet needs of patients and physicians working with a primary or secondary diagnosis of pain. Since then, our unique approach and services have expanded into other diagnoses requiring medications that may be hard-to-find, including an expertise in scheduled (controlled) medications. QVL Pharmacy works to meet the unique needs of these patients and their physicians by combining significant expertise in pharmacy care with the latest in technology — and delivering it all with a personal, respectful touch.

Founded in 1943, BMD employee owned. California's many immigrants might feel a bit more at home thanks to BMD Building Materials Distributors. The company imports building materials from around the world and distributes them to lumberyards, building material dealers, home improvement chains, and window and door specialty retailers, primarily in California, Colorado, and other western states. It also exports building materials throughout the world. Products include cabinets, construction tools, countertops, housewrap and insulation, millwork, roofing, siding, and stairs. BMD offers inventory management, logistics, and warehousing services and operates a dozen distribution centers in the US and western Canada.

Craving Italian fashions? La Rinascente operates more than a dozen upscale la Rinascente department stores in cities across Italy. The company's flagship store near the Duomo in Milan -- Italy's fashion capital -- accounts for about 50% of sales. The retailer also operates the UPIM chain of some 340 company-owned and franchised stores throughout Italy and a single concept store in Rome called Jam. La Rinascente tempts shoppers with luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Gucci. Aldo and Senatore Borletti founded La Rinascente in 1917. Today the company is owned by its chairman, the Italian entrepreneur Maurizio Borletti (Aldo's grandson)

Founded as a single shop in 1966, Superdrug was sold to home improvement chain Kingfisher plc in 1987. Today, Superdrug and its sister chain, discounter Savers, are owned by A.S. Watson (ASW), the retail and manufacturing subsidiary of the Hong Kong-based conglomerate Hutchison Whampoa. The fast-growing retail chain has been remodeling its existing stores, including converting more than 200 Savers stores to the Superdrug banner. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's Superdrug Stores, the UK's #2 health and beauty retailer (behind Alliance Boots). Superdrug Stores Plc operates more than 910 stores -- each with fragrance offerings and about 215 with in-house pharmacies -- in England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

Farm Stores Corporation is exploring plans to expand its concept nationally. Founded in 1935, the Bared family, fronted by company president and CEO Carlos Bared, bought Farm Stores out of bankruptcy in 1992.Farm Stores Corporation's drive-thru markets, you never leave the car. With more than 100 Express Markets throughout Florida, Farm Stores is the nation's largest drive-thru grocery retailer. The chain's pre-paid Farm Stores Quick Card (think of it as a debit card for milk) allows customers to buy gallons more cheaply by paying in advance. The grocery chain's stores are supplied by Associated Grocers of Florida.

Passion Parties, Inc. gives new meaning to the concept of an intimate party. Passion Parties, founded in 1994, sells sensual products to women through home demonstrations, or "passion parties," throughout the US and Canada. Parties are led by more than 28,000 independent sales reps called Passion Consultants and are designed to be confidential, fun, and educational, as organizers peddle some 300 bath products, lingerie, edibles, books, and sex toys. Its primary product line, RomantaTherapy, boasts body lotions, fragrances, and gels. The company, a member of the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists, is careful to point out that its products are for enhancing intimacy among couples.

Aldo Group Inc. was born with the 1972 opening of four stores by Moroccan founder Aldo Bensadoun. Aldo Group knows the value of cheap chic; heck, its founder practically tripped over the concept. Aldo Group runs about 1,500 shoe stores, including more than 700 under the Aldo banner and another 335 shops under the Spring, Feetfirst, and Globo names, among others. The company has stores in Canada, the US, the UK, and some 50 other countries worldwide. Aldo Group entered the US market in 1993 and has grown to number 475 stores here. Globetrotting Aldo's international sales now outpace its business in Canada. Plans call for more expansion in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the US.

Coburn Supply was founded in 1934 by the late Albert J. Coburn. Coburn keeps things cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Coburn Supply distributes air-conditioning and heating equipment, builder, electrical, and plumbing products, refrigeration, and municipal and utility supplies. It operates offices and showrooms through about 30 locations in Louisiana, some 15 in Texas, and a few in Mississippi and Tennessee. Its featured manufacturers have included Trane (formerly American Standard), Cantex, Delta Faucet, Halsey-Taylor, and Maytag. Coburn Supply distributes its products to general, plumbing, HVAC, and mechanical contractors, as well as to home builders, municipalities, and public institutions.

A leading home furnishings retailer, Value City Furniture (VCF) is operated by American Signature and is part of its network of some 130 superstores in 20 US states in the East, Midwest, and Southeast. It offers furniture for the bedroom, dining room, and living room, as well as mattresses, bedding, and other accessories. VCF stores feature furnishings from more than 30 manufacturers and even carry American Signature's private-label furniture and bedding. The retailer also peddles its wares online. Founded in 1948, VCF is owned by holding company Schottenstein Stores.

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