Labor & Employment

Secaucus, N.J. — The Children's Place Retail Stores, Inc. said Friday that it has named Peter Warner as SVP global sourcing, for the chain.

Warner will be responsible for the global sourcing and production functions, technical services and Asian operations. Most recently, he served as SVP of Global Sourcing & Operations for Liz Claiborne Inc.

CHICAGO -- SMS Assist announced that Matthew Pitts has been named COO of the technology- driven facilities maintenance company.

Pitts previously served as VP of building services for The Home Depot. During his two decade career at the home improvement chain, Pitts created retailer’s highly regarded in-house facilities management organization, overseeing more than 2,000 stores and more than $1 billion in annual facilities maintenance spend.

Washington, D.C. -- A report released Friday by the Commerce Dept. showed that consumer spending in the U.S. slowed in August, impacted by falling incomes and sporadic hiring.

Commerce Dept. figures showed that purchases edged up 0.2% after a 0.7% increase in July. However, a 0.2% increase in prices wiped out the slight spending gain. Incomes dipped 0.1%, the first decline since October 2009.

By Tommy Thompson, [email protected]

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates 16,360 structure fires occurred annually in stores and other mercantile properties from 2004 to 2008 resulting in $648 million in direct property damage.

Fires affect thousands of retailers each year resulting in injury, lost customer trust and building damage. Establishing a fire prevention and preparedness program is critical to the safety of retail employees and customers.”

Washington, D.C. -- A report released Friday by the Commerce Dept. showed that consumer spending in the U.S. slowed in August, impacted by falling incomes and sporadic hiring.

Commerce Dept. figures showed that purchases edged up 0.2% after a 0.7% increase in July. However, a 0.2% increase in prices wiped out the slight spending gain. Incomes dipped 0.1%, the first decline since October 2009.

Birmingham, Ala. -- Books-A-Million said Thursday it has appointed Tyler Novak as general counsel.

Novak will be responsible for overseeing all the company's legal affairs, including general corporate legal matters, intellectual property and corporate compliance, and will report to Clyde B. Anderson, chairman and CEO.
 

New York City -- JPMorgan said Thursday it has hired Sears Holdings Corp. president of financial services Susan Ehrlich as a senior VP.

Ehrlich will be charged to help create new payments services for customers, retailers and small businesses.

Ehrlich managed Sears’s expansion of payment and credit products over a five-year period for the retailer.
 

MATTHEWS, N.C. — The chief investment officer of Trian Fund Management has been named to the board of directors at Family Dollar, the retailer announced.

Edward Garden's appointment as board member is effective immediately. With this appointment, Family Dollar's board expands to 11 directors.