Bebe stores announced Wednesday the appointment of Michelle Landgrebe as EVP, general merchandising manager of its 2b division, effective immediately.

Sur La Table said it has promoted Jacob Maurer to the position of SVP – general merchandising manager for the kitchen goods chain.

Walgreens promoted Joseph Magnacca to EVP from SVP, effective immediately.

Modell’s Sporting Goods said it has named Charles Castaneda chief merchandising officer for the chain, a promotion from his current position of EVP planning and allocations.

By Shelley E. Kohan, RetailNext

The National Retail Federation reported that September retail sales – excluding autos, fuel and restaurants – increased a seasonally adjusted 0.4%, thanks to strong showings from clothing and electronics stores.

Galleria Retail Technology Solutions said that Lithuanian retailer Maxima Grupe will use a range of Galleria solutions to automate and optimize its merchandising strategy.

Importers who sell to America’s major retailers are preparing for a significant uptick in consumer spending this spring and summer according to a recent survey conducted by Capital Business Credit, (CBC), a non-bank lender that services the retail sector.

Toys “R” Us has named Richard Barry as senior VP, chief merchandising officer, Toys“R”Us, U.S. In his new role, Barry is responsible for all aspects of merchandising initiatives for the company’s U.S. operations.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said Friday it has reorganized reporting relationships, putting its U.S. marketing team under the leadership of the chief merchandising officer.

By Craig Johnson, Customer Growth Partners

With most holiday season merchandise already on its way to store shelves, import cargo volume at the nation’s major retail container ports has started to decline for the fall, and November is forecast at 1.9% below the same month last year, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released Tuesday by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.