Labor & Employment

Encino, Calif. -- Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services announced a number of appointments within its National Retail Group offices around the country.

Joel M. Dumes has been named director of the firm’s National Retail Group in Cincinnati; Dumes is currently VP investments for the company.

Scott J. Wiles, a seven-year veteran of the company, was named director of the firm’s National Retail Group in Cleveland, and Erin E. Patton is now director of the National Retail Group in Columbus, Ohio.

NEW YORK — A report released by Bloomberg showed that household confidence improved last week to match the highest level in four years. 

The Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index was minus 31.4 in the period ended April 15, compared with minus 32.8 over the previous seven days. The reading equaled that from two weeks earlier as the best since March 2008.

Despite the strong showing, the monthly expectations measure fell from a one-year high, showing ongoing concerns that too many Americans are still unemployed.

Minneapolis -- In a video released by Best Buy and reported by Bloomberg, Best Buy Co. interim CEO Mike Mikan told employees on Thursday that his No. 1 priority in his new role is to execute the changes the company announced last month and plan a new direction for the retailer.

“In the days and weeks ahead, I’ll be working with our leadership team on a long-term vision, a path toward the future that will connect Best Buy with customers across multiple channels while improving performance,” Mikan said.
 

Atlanta -- Jones Lang LaSalle announced it has hired Paul Berkman, Craig Slosberg, Davie Berke and Justin Haber in New York. The retail brokers will head the expansion of the firm’s retail tenant representation services in Manhattan.

Mooresville, N.C. -- Lowe's Cos. Inc. said Thursday it has promoted two of its executives to newly created positions.

Effective May 5, current executive VP business development Gregory Bridgeford been named chief customer officer. Rick Damron, executive VP store operations, has been named COO.
 

Deerfield, Ill. -- Walgreens named Reuben Slone senior VP supply chain management, effective May 16. He comes to Walgreens from OfficeMax, where he served as executive VP supply chain and general manager of services

Slone takes over supply chain management responsibility from Randy Lewis, who is transitioning to a new role with the chain. Lewis will continue to help advise on the company’s programs for people with disabilities and will play a critical role in several of Walgreens key strategic initiatives.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens has named Reuben Slone as SVP supply chain management, where he will have leadership responsibility for distribution, transportation, systems integration and engineering, Lean and Six Sigma supply chain initiatives and community outreach.

Slone will join Walgreens May 16 and will report to Walgreens president of community management Mark Wagner.