Marketing

Philadelphia –- Urban Outfitters Inc. is warning that continued negative same-store sales in the third quarter of fiscal 2014 may have an impact on quarterly earnings. The specialty apparel chain said declining same-store sales could deleverage gross profit margin for the third quarter at a rate greater than during the first half of the year, leading to dampened profits.  

Former Talbots and Bloomingdales executive Lisa Gavales was named president and CEO of personalized gift retailer Things Remembered where she plans to further evolve the retailer’s omnichannel offering.

Things Remembered operates 600 stores nationwide that are integrated with its Web site to allow for online ordering and same day pick up. Gavales will join the company November 10 to fill the position being vacated by Michael Anthony. He is relinquishing the CEO title after eight years but will remain as chairman of the board.

New York, N.Y. -- Savills Studley, a global commercial real estate services firm specializing in tenant representation, announced the promotion of Stephen G. Berliner executive VP & branch sanager, New York Office to executive VP, New York Tri-State Region.  

Strong international growth offset a decline in domestic sales at WD-40 where the company produced its highest volume fourth quarter ever.

Total net sales for the period ended August 31, increased 4% to $97.6 million while full year sales increased 4% to $383 million. WD-40 has a strong international presence and the impact of currency exchange rates favorably impacted results. On a constant currency basis total net sales were $93.9 million for the fourth quarter and $377.7 million for the full fiscal year.

Global branded play leader Hasbro, Inc. today announced the promotion of John Frascotti to the newly-created position of president, Hasbro Brands, effective immediately.

In this new role, Frascotti assumes the additional responsibilities of worldwide product development and now oversees all of the company’s global marketing and design and development teams.  By combining the teams, the company will continue to drive strong innovation, maximize operational efficiency, facilitate greater collaboration and streamline decision-making.

San Francisco –- Gap Inc. has approved a new $500 million share repurchase authorization for the company’s common stock, in an effort to return excess cash to shareholders. The new $500 million repurchase program for Gap’s stock follows the company’s previous $1 billion share repurchase program.   

Branded packaged food supplier B&G Foods elevated EVP and CFO Robert Cantwell to the role of CEO effective Jan. 1.

Cantwell, 57, a long time B&G employee, succeeds David Wenner, 64, in the top job following Wenner’s decision earlier this year to retire. Wenner will remain on the board and the company has begun a search for a new CFO.

Former Delia’s and J. Crew executive Walter Killough has joined consulting firm O Alliance as managing director.

The O Alliance is a new consulting firm positioned to help retailers pursue the concept of circular commerce.  In his new role, Killough will be responsible for business development, strategic partnerships and overall day-to-day management of the company. Killough spent 10 years with junior’s retailer Delia’s and most recently served as CEO. Prior to that he served as COO of J. Crew Group.