Consumer Affairs & Relations

Birmingham, Ala. -- Hibbett Sports announced that effective February 2, 2014, Mickey Newsome will transition from his current position as executive chairman and employee of the company to non-executive chairman.

The retailer also announced that Jeff Rosenthal, president and CEO, has been appointed to the board of directors, effective immediately, thereby increasing the size of the board to ten members.

Goodlettsville, Tenn. – Dollar General is opening its first fuel station, as part of a test pilot project. The new fuel pumps are located at the Dollar General Market in Hanceville, Ala.

Denver – Quiznos is preparing to expand in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the recent signature of Royal Bun Cafe as its newest franchisee. Quiznos and Royal Bun Cafe worked together to establish the blueprint for the venture that will bring more than 70 restaurants to the UAE during the next eight years.

Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah will be the first UAE expansion locales, with stores expected to be complete by early 2014. Quiznos recently expanded into Mexico and Russia.

Hibbett Sports has put its succession plan into motion. Effective Feb. 2, 2014, Mickey Newsome will go from executive chairman of the board and CEO to non-executive chairman. Additionally, president and CEO Jeff Rosenthal has been appointed to the board, bringing the total number of members 10.

Fort Worth, Texas -- Pier 1 Imports announced that its board of directors has authorized a new $200 million share repurchase program.

The new share repurchase program is effective immediately and authorizes the repurchase of up to $200 million of the company’s common stock in open market or private transactions. As of October 17, 2013, Pier I had approximately 103.8 million shares of common stock outstanding.
 

Michelle Gloeckler, SVP of Home at Walmart and head of the retailer’s domestic manufacturing initiative is scheduled to give an update on the program, its progress and inner workings in Bentonville next month.

Gloecker was recently confirmed as a speaker at an event organized by the Bentonville Bella Vista Chamber of Commerce for the organization’s Walstreet membership group which consists of Walmart suppliers and service provider companies. Gloecker is scheduled to speak on Thursday, November 14.
 

Hampstead, Md. – Jos. A. Bank Clothiers Inc. reportedly may consider a hostile takeover bid for Men’s Wearhouse. According to Bloomberg, Jos. A. Bank chairman Robet Wildrick said he would prefer a friendly acquisition but his company is not ruling any options out.

New York -- Walmart brought together 10 moms in Nashville, Tenn., on Wednesday night to air their thoughts about the economy , the federal government and their own household incomes. The gathering — one of several that occurred in different locations throughout the nation — was part on an annual focus group organized by the chain, reported CNNMoney. This year, the discussion focused on a subject very much in the headlines: budgets.