Labor & Employment

Naperville, Ill. -- OfficeMax said Thursday that its net income dropped 53% in the first quarter.

Net income fell to $11.9 million from $25.4 million. Revenue fell 2.8% to $1.86 billion, though it beat analysts' estimates

The company blamed bad weather, store discounts and "an unfavorable product sales mix shift" in the technology department. Revenue from direct sales to business customers fell more steeply than revenue in stores.

By Jim McNeill and Gary K. Brucker Jr., [email protected], [email protected]

Philadelphia -- Destination Maternity Corp. announced the hiring of Chris Daniel as its president, effective June 1.

Daniel will report directly to Ed Krell, CEO, and will have responsibility for all merchandising, design, marketing, visual, sourcing and branding functions of the company. In connection with the hiring of Daniel, Krell, who held the additional title of president on a temporary basis since the departure of the company's former president, will relinquish that title.

Woodbridge, N.J. -- Fameco Real Estate announced that Scott Jennerich has joined the Fameco organization and will be based out of its Woodbridge, N.J., office.

Jennerich previously led Trinity Real Estate Advisors, a consulting company specializing nationally in retail real estate, land development and the shopping center industry. He will join Fameco as the president of Trinity Real Estate Advisors, now a wholly owned subsidiary of Fameco Real Estate.
 

New York City -- Big Lots, which plans to open 90 stores this year, has made two key merchandising moves to facilitate its planned growth.

The retailer has hired former Sears merchandising executive Doug Wurl to serve as its executive VP merchandising. He assumes responsibilities previously held by John Martin, who was named executive VP administration. In his new role, Martin will have responsibility for store operations and human resources.

New York City -- Consumer confidence recovered somewhat in April, though the impact of rising gasoline prices is still evident, according to data released Tuesday by the Conference Board.

The confidence index hit 65.4 in April, from an upwardly revised 63.8 in March. The reading is still below the 72.0 mark of February.

Boca Raton, Fla. -- Office Depot reported a first quarter loss of $5.4 million, down from a profit of $29.5 million in the prior-year period, amid weaker sales and a higher tax rate.

Total company sales for the quarter were $2.97 billion, down 3% from last year.

New York City -- The CEO of Best Buy received a pay package worth about $5 million in the most recent fiscal year, half what he got the year before, according to a document the company filed Friday with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Associated Press said.

Brian Dunn, 50, received a base salary of $1 million and a performance-based bonus of $746,667, down 75% from his performance based bonus the year before. Dunn received option awards valued at $3.2 million when they were granted, down 48%.