Labor & Employment

Photo: Paul Pressler   The CEO of David's Bridal is out after three years on the job.    The specialty retailer said Pam Wallack has left the company, but gave no reason for her departure, the Associated Press reported. Wallack will be replaced by David’s Bridal chairman and former Gap Inc. head Paul Pressler, who once worked with her at Gap.          

Things are looking bleaker for bankrupt Aeropostale.   A bankruptcy court judge on late Monday rejected a request from Aeropostale to blame its bankruptcy on Sycamore Partners and block an offer from the private equity firm.   Sycamore Partners confirmed it submitted a bid for the chain after the judge issued the opinion. The amount of the bid is unknown, but it may have been $150 million, which is how much Aeropostale owes two affiliates of Sycamore, Aero Investors and MGF Sourcing Holdings.

Target Corp. is losing its top marketing honcho just months before it enters its most important selling season.   Jeff Jones, executive VP, chief marketing officer at Target, will depart the discounter effective Sept. 9. Jones will be joining Uber as president, ridesharing. He will responsible for Uber’s operations, marketing and customer support globally.   Target is conducting an external and internal search for Jones' replacement.  

Photo: Michael K. Bloom   Fred’s announced it has promoted COO Michael K. Bloom to chief executive, effective Aug. 29.      Bloom succeeds CEO Jerry A. Shore, who became chief executive in October 2014 and intends to retire in February.   

Toys "R" Us announced the appointment of Melanie Teed-Murch as president, Toys "R" Us, Canada, effective Sept. 1.       Teed-Murch joined the retailer in 1996 as a store manager for Toys "R" Us in Kitchener, Ontario. She went on to hold a variety of senior leadership, merchandising and operational roles with increasing responsibility, including her most recent position as Canada's chief merchant.  

Amazon.com is going to give select employees the chance to work a shorter week for reduced pay — but with full benefits.  

In a scenario that few could have predicted, Walmart has emerged as one of President Obama’s most reliable corporate allies, a partner that has backed the White House on more than a dozen initiatives, including Obamacare and climate change, bloomberg.com reported.  

Amazon announced plans to open a fulfillment center in Coppell, Texas. It will be the Internet giant’s eighth center in the Lone Star State.   “Our ability to expand Texas operations within three short years is the result of two things: incredible customers and an outstanding workforce in the state,” said Akash Chauhan, Amazon’s VP of North American operations.   

Michaels Cos. said increased spending cut into its bottom line in the second quarter. The chain lowered its same-stores outlook for the rest of the year, citing a “choppy” retail environment.    For the quarter ended July 30, the company posted a profit of $35.6 million, compared with $35.7 million in the year-ago period, amid spending to integrate recently-acquired arts and craft wholesaler Lamrite West and the timing of distribution expenses.  

Signet Jewelers Ltd. reported its first drop in same-store sales in six years in its second quarter as the company continues to deal with rumors that it swapped expensive diamonds for cheaper stones.   Signet, whose banners include Zale, Kay Jewelers and Jared, posted a 2.3% drop in same-store sales in the quarter ended July 30. Wall Street analysts had expected a slight increase.   Net sales fell 2.6% to $1.37 billion.