Labor & Employment

Patrick Byrne has relinquished his role as chairman of Overstock.com and Stormy Simon was named president of the online discount retailer.

New Albany, Ohio -- Abercrombie & Fitch Co. announced that Joanne C. Crevoiserat has been named executive VP and CFO of the company, a position she is expected to take up in May, 2014.

Los Angeles – The board of directors of Guess Inc. has appointed Joseph Gromek, increasing the number of directors to seven and bringing the total number of independent directors to five. Gromek will also serve on the Compensation and Nominating and Governance Committees of the board.

Guess? has appointed Joseph Gromek to its board, increasing the number of directors to seven and bringing the total number of independent directors to five. Gromek will also serve on the compensation and nominating and governance committees of the board.

Ready Pac Foods has hired Peter Laport as the company’s SVP, chief supply chain officer.  

"After working with Peter for many years at Nestlé, I knew that he was the perfect fit for Ready Pac," said CEO Tony Sarsam. "Peter has worldwide experience in supply chain and manufacturing that will aid tremendously in cultivating profitable business processes within operations. I am delighted to work with him again and excited that he is joining our innovative team."

Seattle -- Nordstrom announced plans to open at a Nordstrom Rack at The Shops at River Walk in Bakersfield, Calif. The approximately 35,000-sq-ft. store is scheduled to open in spring 2015.

The new Nordstrom Rack will be the company's first location in Bakersfield.

Foothill Ranch, Calif. -- The board of directors of Wet Seal Inc. has decided to reduce the cash compensation for its directors by 20% for the remainder of fiscal 2014. Wet Seal will also reduce the number of director nominees to be elected at its upcoming annual meeting from nine to seven.

Kathy Bronstein recently resigned from The Wet Seal’s board of directors, effective April 4.

Tampa, Fla. — Burger 21 has announced plans to expand in the Phoenix, market with franchise developments. The fast-casual restaurant is currently developing two Arizona locations in Scottsdale and Chandler. Both will open later this year. To date, Burger 21 has 12 open locations and 18 franchised restaurants in development across the country.

The Wet Seal board has decided to reduce the cash compensation for its directors by 20% for the remainder of fiscal 2014 and to reduce the number of director nominees to be elected at its upcoming annual meeting from nine to seven.

“By reducing director compensation and the number of directors nominated for election at our 2014 annual meeting, the board is doing its part to ensure it can respond quickly to issues as they arise and support the cost reduction efforts already taken by management,” said non-executive chairperson Lynda Davey.

New York -- Coldwater Creek Inc. is planning to liquidate its assets after a bankruptcy filing that is expected to come soon, Bloomberg News reported. The filing would come five months after the specialty women's apparel retailer, which is based in Sandpoint, Idaho, said it was exploring strategic alternatives, including a sale.