Marketing

New York -- Leonard Riggio, chairman of Barnes & Noble Inc., has sold 3.7 million shares of Barnes & Noble common stock. After the sale, his holdings are expected to represent approximately 20% of Barnes & Noble’s common stock outstanding.

Riggio said the sale is part of his long-term financial and estate planning and that he has no plans to sell more stock this calendar year.

Rosemary Ricketts and Steve Bohman, retail executives with extensive mass market experience, have joined upscale brand Vera Bradley in key roles.

Ricketts was named vp of merchandising and Bohman was named vp of global production at the leading designer of women's handbags and accessories, luggage and travel items, eyewear, stationery and gifts.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – AutoNation Inc. reported net income of $91 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2014, about 10% higher than $83 million in the same period a year earlier. Revenue totaled $4.4 billion, up 7% from $4.1 billion.

Revenue increases resulted from stronger performance in all business sectors, including new vehicles, used vehicles, parts and service, and finance and insurance.

Bentonville, Ark. – Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and money transfer provider Ria Money Transfer, a subsidiary of EFT provider Euronet, are launching Walmart-2-Walmart Money Transfer Service. Available April 24, the new service allows customers to transfer money to and from more than 4,000 Wal-Mart stores nationwide for what Wal-Mart says is up to 50% less than similar offerings on the market.

Urban Outfitters has named Trish Donnelly as president of Urban Outfitters brand, North America reporting directly to Ted Marlow, CEO, Urban Outfitters Group, effective July 14.

Cincinnati -- The Kroger Co. announced that Timothy Massa will be promoted to group VP human resources and labor relations.

Massa, 47, currently serves as VP of corporate human resources, talent development. In this expanded role, he will take responsibility for labor relations when Paul Heldman, executive VP, secretary and general counsel, retires in May.

Since making her debut on Chicken of the Sea labels in 1952, the mermaid has remained nameless. But to mark its centennial this year, the seafood brand invited consumers to submit suggested names to christen the icon for a chance to win $10,000.

Participants submitted more than 49,000 entries, the company confirmed. The winning name? Catalina.

Boca Raton, Fla. – Office Depot has won an Internet Advertising Competition Award (IAC) for “Best Retail Social Media Campaign” from the Web Marketing Association. The award recognizes Office Depot’s digital campaign supporting back-to-school with Office Depot’s “#Together Against Bullying” collaboration with the band One Direction.