Marketing

H&M is finally tackling the online market, and plans to launch an e-commerce site in the U.S. in August.

The timing of the move for a brand synonymous with affordable fashion is opportune because it coincides with the heart of the back-to-school shopping season and sets the stage for the company to drive online sales during the holiday season.

Gerald Evans was named chief operating officer at HanesBrands after serving as co-COO since 2011.

ABC Fine Wine & Spirits is showing off a new, modern store concept in Ocala, Fla. The contemporary design reflects the retailer’s evolution from the corner liquor store and bar to a 150-plus-store purveyor of fine wine and spirits. It’s also more in sync with the brand’s shifting customer base, which has grown more upscale and increased from 30% to 55% female.

Washington, D.C. -- Retailers and consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies are increasingly using technology to better connect with customers and drive profits, according to a new study from the Grocery Manufacturers Association and PwC US.

Results of “Growth Strategies: Unlocking the Power of the Consumer” indicate that despite generally slowing retail net sales growth in 2012, food, beverage and household products companies experienced positive net sales growth of 7%t, 5.5% and 3.2%, respectively.

Burlington, N.J. -- Burlington Coat Factory credited the unusually cold winter experienced by many parts of the country, which dampened the first quarter results of many retailers, for helping to drive its strong financial performance during the first quarter.

The retailer reported net income of $11.1 million, a substantial improvement from $842,000 in the first quarter of the prior year, primarily driven by sales growth and improved gross margin rate which was in turn partially offset by increased selling and administrative expenses.

West Chester, Pa. -- QVC has named Mustafa El-Rafey to the position of senior VP talent management and rewards. In this role El-Rafey will report to Beth Rubino, executive VP of HR and workplace services, and will lead the development and implementation of a talent management and rewards strategy for QVC. Specifically, he will focus on attracting and retaining key talent, promoting development, performance and accountability, building leadership capabilities, and supporting careers.

St. Petersburg, Fla. -- The Sembler Co. has added nearly 900,000 sq. ft. to its portfolio of third-party management and leasing assignments through the end of the year’s second quarter.

New assignments include co-managing 672,259 sq. ft. of retail properties across Florida and Georgia with Community Reinvestment Partners II. Sembler will handle leasing for most of the properties.

Toronto -- Hudson's Bay Co. said Tuesday it has changed the structure of its senior management, giving two highly regarded veteran retailers greater responsibilities. The company is moving current president Bonnie Brooks to the vice chairman seat and putting in Liz Rodbell – recently minted executive VP and chief merchant – as president.  Both Brooks and Rodbell are highly regarded retail

Irving, Texas -- As part of the celebration of its 40th year, Michaels Arts and Crafts will launch a Michaels Craft Tour this month, stocking an 18-wheeler with a 1,000-sq.-ft. craft room that is transported to various Michaels store openings and other events around the country.

Other features include interactive social media walls and TV screens showing Michaels DIY videos.

Dallas -- Alliance Data Systems Corp. said it has signed a long-term renewal and expansion agreement to continue providing private label credit card services for Orchard Brands, a multichannel retailer of apparel and home products including the Blair, Haband, Old Pueblo Traders and Bedford Fair banners.