Labor & Employment

ROCHESTER, New York — Crosman Corp., an international designer, manufacturer, and marketer of a wide range of products for the shooting sports, has announced the appointment of Jennifer Lambert as VP marketing. In her new position, Lambert will oversee the company’s strategic marketing efforts, with an emphasis on accelerating new product development.

New York -- Consumer confidence rebounded in February, reversing three straight months of declines, according to The Conference Board, a private research group. The Conference Board’s closely-watched Consumer Confidence Index stands at 69.6, up from 58.4 in January. Economists had expected 60.5, according to research firm FactSet.

It was the highest reading since November’s 71.5 metric.  

Minneapolis -- Best Buy Co. announced it is cutting 400 jobs at its headquarters as part of its “Renew Blue” transformation efforts.

New York -- Five women in Wisconsin have filed suit against Wal-Mart Stores, claiming the retailer denied them and other female employees equal pay and equal opportunities, the Journal Sentinel reported. The suit, which also seeks class-action status, claims Wal-Mart discriminated against female employees in the chain's Region 14, which includes stores in Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana and Illinois.

Fort Worth, Texas -- RadioShack Corp. reported a greater-than-expected net loss of $63.3 million in the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, compared with a profit of $11.9 million a year earlier.

Total sales edged down to $1.3 billion compared to $1.39 billion last year. Comparable-store sales fell 7%, hurt by a decline in the performance of its postpaid wireless business.
 

New Albany, Ohio -- Abercrombie & Fitch Co. announced the promotion of Amy Zehrer to the position of EVP stores, from SVP, effective immediately.

Zehrer has been with Abercrombie & Fitch since 1992; she joined as a manager-in-training at the brand’s Rosedale Mall location in Roseville, Minn. Over the last 21 years, Zehrer has proven herself as a definitive leader, evolving the Abercrombie & Fitch brand and playing an integral part in the success of its international expansion, the company said.

Insight Beverages has named Sharon Porter as director of national sales effective Feb. 25, 2013. 

“As director of national sales, Sharon will lead our organization in its efforts to expand our core convenience store business, distribution and national accounts.  We are very excited to have a person of Sharon’s caliber at our company as we continue to expand our business in convenience stores and other foodservice channels,” said Bill Flack, VP sales for Insight Beverages.

NEW YORK — Barnes & Noble founder and chairman, Leonard Riggio, has notified the company's board of directors of his intentions to purchase the company's retail business. 

HOUSTON, — Apparel and accessories retailer Francesca's Holdings has named Richard Kunes as an independent director to its board of directors, effective Feb. 25, 2013.

Since August 2012, Kunes has served as EVP and senior advisor to the CEO at The Estee Lauder Companies, Inc. Prior to that, he served for 12 years as EVP and CFO. Before being appointed CFO, Kunes served in several financial management positions at Estee Lauder including corporate controller.

Little Rock, Ark. -- Dillard’s Inc. posted fourth-quarter net income of $161.4 million, up 14% over the year-ago period. It also reported its 10th consecutive quarter of same-store sales growth.