Labor & Employment

MBH Architects, Alameda, California, announced the appointment of a new principal, Dimple Manghani, who previously led the retail team as a senior associate and studio director.

A licensed architect and a LEED accredited professional, Dimple has 12 years experience building relationships with such clients as Williams-Sonoma, Levi’s, and H&M. Additionally, she is responsible for the acquisition of the firm’s luxury retail clients, including Dior and Tiffany & Co.

Arby’s Restaurant Group Inc. is naming Darla Morse as new CIO, effective April 18.

Morse will report directly to Paul Brown, CEO. She joins Arby’s from SeaWorld, where as CIO she led the technology teams supporting all 12 SeaWorld parks and corporate headquarters. Morse has more than 22 years of total technology experience, with previous positions in a variety of roles for Walt Disney World.

Kroger showed its tendency to promote longtime executives to key senior leadership roles again with the naming of a 32 year veteran to serve as president of its 138 store Smith’s division based in Salt Lake City.

Kenny Kimball was elevated to the role of president of Smith’s after previously serving as VP of operations. Kimball joined Smith’s in 1984 as a courtesy clerk and succeeds Jay Cummins who announced his retirement in February. Kimball assumes his new responsibilities April 30.

L Brands’ Victoria’s Secret division had a record year in 2015, which is why chairman and CEO Leslie Wexner believes now is the best time to narrow the brand’s focus and simplify the operating model to drive long-term growth.
 

Half of retailers are unprepared for future labor challenges.

That’s according to a new survey of more than 250 U.S. store managers by JDA Software Group, which finds that a perfect “labor” storm is brewing for retailers — one fueled by ever-expanding customer needs, increasing complexity and new and shifting labor regulations.

Specialty retailer Petco will open seven new stores in April as part of its 2016 growth plan, which includes 20 new store openings year-to-date.

In addition to the seven new locations, the retailer is also expanding one location to accommodate growth in Swampscott, Massachusetts, and remodeling seven stores in San Antonio.

Swedish retailer H&M will opens its 4,000th store as its expands its global footprint and ramps up e-commerce in 2016.

The company plans to open a total of 425 new stores this year, and expand its e-commerce efforts to Japan and 10 additional markets.

The global retailer disclosed its aggressive physical and digital growth plans with the release of financial results for the period ended Feb. 29, which were negatively affected by the strong U.S. dollar.

A total of 425 new H&M stores are slated to open this year, including the new market of Puerto Rico, and the fast fashion retailer also will expand its e-commerce efforts to Japan and 10 additional markets.

The global retailer disclosed its aggressive physical and digital growth plans with the release of financial results for the period ended Feb. 29, which were negatively affected by the strong U.S. dollar. H&M is based in Stockholm, Sweden.