Labor & Employment

Cincinnati -- Macy announced the completion of its previously announced acquisition of beauty products and spa services retailer Bluemercury, for $210 million in cash.

Beachwood, Ohio -- DDR has named a new financial chief, and the shopping center company reached from within its own ranks for the appointment. Luke J. Petherbridge, age 35, assumes the role of CFO effective immediately.
 
"Luke is an accomplished executive with a proven track record within our company, overseeing the balance sheet, fostering strong banking and capital partner relationships, and sourcing large scale transactions during his tenure with us," said David Oakes, president and CEO.

Washington, D.C. -- Despite harsh winter weather throughout the country, retail industry employment in February increased by 24,000 jobs and has increased 218,000 on a year-over-year basis as retailers and merchants again added strength in numbers to the overall economy, according to the National Retail Federation.

Strong monthly gains were witnessed in apparel, building material and supplies, sporting goods and home and home furnishing sectors. Job gains as calculated by NRF do not include auto dealerships, restaurants or gas stations.

The U.S. Toy Industry Association has a new CEO who brings a unique perspective to an organization whose members account for more than 90% of U.S. toy sales.

Stephen J. Pasierb will join the U.S. Toy Industry Association (TIA) at the end of April as president and CEO. He succeed current President and CEO Carter Keithley who is retiring and will be responsible for leading the growth, development, and oversight of TIA.

The Fresh Market will cede some of its market share to its biggest competitor even as it posted strong fourth quarter earnings and an upbeat outlook for 2015.

The company announced that it would be exiting California by the end of this month and closing all three of its remaining stores there, as it focuses on its stores in the eastern part of the United States. The company also cited slower “organic store growth” as another reason for the decision.

Mitigate litigation by prevention measures, proper investigation

Twenty retail industry professionals dreaming of making it big in the retail industry have a unique opportunity thanks to the National Retail Federation.

NRF is collaborating again with University of Phoenix School of Business to award 20 full-tuition scholarships to retail industry professionals who want to enhance their careers through education.

Los Angeles - Factory workers of American Apparel established a coalition of workers to advocate for their rights before new corporate management. Hundreds of workers met on Feb. 28 to organize themselves into the "Coalition of American Apparel Factory Workers United to Save American Apparel."