Labor & Employment

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — Former Johnson & Johnson chairman and CEO James Burke passed away Sept. 28. He was 87 years old.

Lincoln, Neb. -- Nebraska Book Co. said Friday it has hired Bill Zeuch as senior VP merchandising and marketing for the 250-unit chain of college bookstores, effective Oct. 3.

Zeuch is the former senior VP merchandising, marketing and sales new channels at OfficeMax.

In his position with Nebraska Book Co., he will focus on merchandising, branding and selling initiatives to expand assortments and grow long-term market share.

The holiday season is competitive on many fronts, including which retailer plans to hire the most seasonal workers.

During a year that saw Dollar General open its 10,000th store and AutoZone opens its 5,000th store, rent-to-own retailer Aaron’s has opened its 2,000th location.

The Atlanta-based retailer specializing in the sales and lease ownership of residential furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, designated a store in the Bronx, New York as its 2,000th location.

Dodgeville, Wis. -- A Wednesday report by the Wisconsin State Journal said that Lands End plans to cut nearly 200 jobs in its headquarters town of Dodgeville, Wis., by the end of January.

Blaming growth of its online business at the expense of bricks-and-mortar stores, Lands End said it is culling its call center workforce by 29% and streamlining other operations. Fifty of the eliminated positions are corporate headquarters jobs and 25 are from the call center. All cuts were made Wednesday.

GRAPEVINE, Texas — GameStop as formed The Gamer Fund to provide temporary relief and meet the basic needs of GameStop associates who are facing hardships from tragic and isolated events. Endowed with seed donations from GameStop’s founders and senior management team, The Gamer Fund will be fully run and funded by GameStop associates.

Brentwood, Tenn. -- Tractor Supply Co. said Thursday that, as part of its planned management succession, current president and COO Gregory Sandfort will assume the role of president and CEO, effective Jan. 1. He will also be appointed to the board of directors at that time.

Current chairman and CEO James Wright will be appointed executive chairman of the board with a one-year term.

Prior to his tenure at Tractor Supply, Sandfort was president and COO of Michaels Stores.

Oak Brook, Ill. -- Inland American Real Estate Trust has announced the appointment of Thomas P. McGuinness as president. McGuinness joined Inland in 1982 and has held several executive positions throughout the Inland organization.  

In his new role, he will oversee the management of the company’s day-to-day operations, including the strategic business plan, investment decisions, asset management and financing functions for the national portfolio of 48 million sq. ft.