Diversity & Inclusion

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. - Sears Holdings announced today that apparel veteran Lana Cain Krauter will join the company as SVP and president Sears apparel. She will be responsible for the oversight, leadership and growth of Sears' apparel business, both in-store and online.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. - Sears Holdings' SVP procurement and finance has been promoted.

Deidra Cheeks Merriwether now holds the title of SVP and president retail services, succeeding James Haworth. In this role, Merriwether, who joined the corporation in 2001, will be responsible for the oversight and leadership of retail services for the broadline retailer's Kmart and Sears stores.

Merriwether currently serves as a member of Sears Canada's board of directors and is the executive sponsor of the company's African-American Associate Network.

Executives from The Container Store and Urban Outfitters are among the retailers who will be honored at the National Retail Federation’s Annual Convention and EXPO, or BIG Show, which will be held at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City, Jan. 9-12, 2011.

The recipients will accept their awards during the show’s Annual Retail Industry Luncheon on Tuesday, Jan. 11.

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. - Dollar General announced that in addition to opening 625 new stores in fiscal 2011, it intends to create 6,000 new jobs. 

“Bringing our store model of convenience and value to more people in more states is an exciting opportunity for us,” said Rick Dreiling, Dollar General’s chairman and CEO. “We believe the new communities and states we are entering will benefit from the new jobs, shopping choices and dedication to community found at Dollar General.“

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — The CVS Caremark Charitable Trust announced on Tuesday that $3.3 million in grants has been awarded to 72 nonprofit organizations across the country.

About half of these grants align with CVS Caremark All Kids Can, a program focused on making life easier for children with disabilities and their families. The other half of the grants will provide support for medical services for the under and uninsured.

WASHINGTON - Gap Inc. announced that President Obama intends to appoint Bobbi Silten, chief foundation officer at Gap Inc., to serve on the White House Council for Community Solutions. The Council will provide advice to the President on the best ways to mobilize citizens, nonprofits, businesses and government to work more effectively together to solve specific community needs.

PLANO, Texas - Two members of the Dr Pepper Snapple Group executive leadership team have been promoted to the level of executive vice president, the company announced.

Effective Jan. 1, 2011, David Thomas, Ph.D., is EVP research and development, and Tina Barry becomes EVP corporate affairs. Both continue to report directly to Larry Young, DPS president and CEO.

Seattle -- Retail design firm Callison said Tuesday it has added Shawn Rush as associate principal in the company’s Seattle office.

Rush, a LEED AP, will focus on business development in the Global Retail studio, which includes national accounts and workplace interiors. Her role also consists of identifying developing trends and targeting market opportunities for Callison’s domestic offices.