Labor & Employment

-ADVERTORIAL-

Stock & Roll Portable Shelf Stocking Carts make the job of stocking shelves in supermarkets, pharmacies, convenience stores, and other retail outlets faster, safer, and easier.

Plano, Texas -- J.C. Penney Co. isn’t taking any chances. The retailer on Thursday announced it has adopted a one-year shareholder’s rights plan to protect itself against any future hostile takeover efforts.

ZAANDAM, Netherlands — Dutch supermarket-operating company Ahold has appointed Abbe Luersman as the company’s chief human resources officer.

Ahold said that Luersman, who will report to CEO Dick Boer, will assume the new position on Nov. 1. Ahold's U.S. division operates the Stop & Shop, Giant Food Stores of Carlisle, Pa., and Giant Food of Landover, Md., supermarket banners, as well as the Peapod online grocery service.

HUDSON, Ohio — Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores has appointed Tom Williams to SVP of store operations and human resources, replacing Ken Haverkost.

Haverkost announced his retirement as EVP of store operations, a position he held since joining the company in 2007. He will remain a part-time employee through March 2014 to assist in the transition process.

Hudson, Ohio -- Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores named Tom Williams as senior VP of store operations and human resources. He replaces Ken Haverkost, who is retiring effective Aug.31.

In addition to retaining his current responsibilities overseeing all corporate human resources functions for Jo-Ann, Williams will assume responsibility for leading the store operations organization, covering more than 18,000 employees and more than 800 stores. He will continue to serve as chairman of the company’s benefits advisory committee

SAN FRANCISCO — Gap has elected Padmasree Warrior, chief technology and chief strategy officer of Cisco Systems, to its board of directors, effective Sept. 30.

“Padma is an accomplished business leader with nearly 30 years’ experience within the technology industry, as both a strategist and innovator,” said Glenn Murphy, Gap Inc. chairman and CEO. “As we increase our investment in serving customers across all channels, Padma’s relevant expertise will be an asset to our board and management team.”

PHOENIX — PetSmart’s total sales for the quarter ended Aug. were $1.7 billion, up 5.3% from $1.6 billion for the prior-year period, showing that people are still spending money on their pets despite lingering economic challenges and cautious shopping behavior trends evident in other sectors. 

Comparable-store sales, or sales in stores open at least a year, grew 3.4%, benefitting from comparable transactions growth of 1%. Services sales, which are included in total sales, grew 7.3% to $205 million.

New York -- CBL & Associates Properties has announced the appointment of A. Larry Chapman to its board of directors.

Chapman is a retired 37-year veteran of Wells Fargo. He most recently served as group head of the bank’s commercial real estate lending business, responsible for the group’s 75 nationally located real estate loan production offices and 1,500 full time employees.