Labor & Employment

Another high level defection from Target's merchandising ranks suggests CEO Brian Cornell's strategic vision for the retailer is not universally shared.

Jose Barra, executive vice president in charge of merchandising at Target, is departing the Minnesota-based retailer for a new position, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Columbus, Ohio -- DSW continues its march across America.

The footwear and accessories retailer is opening 22 stores this fill, including six locations in new markets.

"Expanding our store base allows us to grow our footprint in areas we already call home, while also bringing DSW stores and the DSW brand to areas where our customers have been anticipating our arrival,” said Carrie McDermott, executive VP and COO of DSW, which operated 449 stores in 42 states.

New York -- A strong majority of Americans (72%) - crossing regional, political, generational, gender and income lines – believe the current federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour is lower than it should be. However, while Americans clearly feel minimum wage should be higher, exactly how high remains a more contentious subject.

Chicago – Mid-America Real Estate Corporation announced the addition of Lara Keene as VP to the Urban Team. Prior to joining Mid-America Keene was managing director at RKF and part of Baum Realty Group’s tenant and luxury division.

Keene will be specializing in landlord and tenant representation with a focus on Chicago’s luxury fashion streets and neighborhoods.

Nebraska-based sportings goods retailer Cabela’s has appointed the former CEO of Coors to its board.

The company announced that Peter S. Swinburn has been named to its board of directors.

New York -- Things are not getting any better at the struggling and cash-poor American Apparel. In fact, it looks like they are getting worse.

In a short form quarterly filing, the retailer said its net loss increased to $19.4 million in the second quarter from $16.2 million in the year-ago period while net sales fell 17% to $134 million. It estimated that, as of June 30, it had only $7 million in cash and $6 million left in its Capital One credit line. (American Apparel’s full quarterly filing will be delayed.)

New York -- Two retail and consumer product goods veterans have joined Target's board of directors.

The company announced Wednesday that its board of directors elected Donald R. Knauss, former executive chairman and former chairman and CEO of the Clorox Company, and Robert L. Edwards, former CEO of Safeway Inc., as new directors, effective immediately.


Two retail and consumer product goods veterans are the newest members of Target's board of directors.

New York -- The brand that ‘Seinfeld’ made famous has tapped a retail vet as CEO.

Soupman announces that Jamieson Karson has joined the company as CEO and chairman. Karson is the former CEO and chairman of Steven Madden.

During his tenure at Steve Madden, Karson is credited with stabilizing the company and expanding the company's footprint into the global retail and wholesale markets. After Steve Madden, he was a partner at Lightship Partners, a retail consulting firm.

Dallas -- SRS Real Estate Partners said that it has named Brad Balbo as senior VP in the company's Phoenix office. Balbo specializes in the leasing, valuation and operations of retail shopping centers, with a focus on the restaurant segment.  

Balbo joins SRS from a boutique firm in Scottsdale, and will focus primarily on landlord and tenant representation and investment sales for SRS.