Labor & Employment

Hoffman Estates, Ill. – Kmart Corp. will close at least eight stores by the end of 2014 as part of broader cost-cutting moves by parent company Sears Holding Corp. Kmart spokespeople sent emails to media outlets in Michigan, Indiana and Iowa announcing that Kmart will close at least five stores in the Detroit area, two in the Indianapolis area and one in Ames, Iowa.

The Wet Seal is welcoming back Jon Kubo, this time as EVP and chief digital officer, a newly created position. Kubo will oversee e-commerce, digital marketing and the information technology organization to integrate digital consumer experiences across all business touch points.

Kubo was head of e-commerce and chief information officer at Wet Seal from 2005 through 2011. The company credits him with growing its e-commerce business to its highest sales volume in history through innovative and industry-leading social and mobile customer engagement programs.

Cincinnati – The Kroger Co. has been named to the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) Million Dollar Club. Introduced by the USHCC in 2010, the Million Dollar Club recognizes corporations that are leaders in supplier diversity and integrating Hispanic business enterprises into their strategic sourcing and procurement process.  

Kroger is a member of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Million Dollar Club for the second consecutive year. The company was inducted in the $250 to $500 million annual expenditure category.

Boston - Gordon Brothers Group, a global advisory, restructuring and investment firm specializing in the retail, consumer products, industrial and real estate sectors, has promoted Frank Grimaldi to national sales manager of the firm’s Valuation & Advisory Services Division, effective Oct. 1.

Procter & Gamble vice chairman Werner Geissler, who is also special adviser to the chairman and CEO, has announced plans to retire from the company Dec. 31, after more than 35 years of service.

Three executives at Hormel Foods will be advancing to new roles as of Oct. 28.

Mark D. Vaupel, currently director of information technology services, will advance to VP of information technology services. Swen Neufeldt, currently director of business development in Asia, general manager of China and VP of Hormel Foods International, will advance to president of Asia Pacific, Hormel Foods International. And Jeffrey A. Grev, currently director of corporate development, will advance to director of legislative affairs.

Toronto -- One of the nation’s most venerable department store brands, Saks Fifth Avenue, has given a big boost to the retail revitalization of Lower Manhattan. Saks’ parent Hudson’s Bay Company has signed a lease with Brookfield Property Partners to open two stores in downtown Manhattan: a 85,000-sq.-ft. Saks Fifth Avenue store in Brookfield Place (formerly called the World Financial Center), and a 55,000-sq.-ft. Saks Off 5th store at One Liberty Plaza.