Marketing

Suffern, N.Y. -- Ascena Retail Group announced it has named Ronnie Robinson to the position of president of Ascena Global Sourcing (AGS).

David Jaffe, president and CEO of the Ascena Retail Group, commented: “Leveraging our sourcing capability across all our brands is an important strategic initiative for Ascena. Ronnie’s experience and accomplishments make him the ideal candidate to lead this effort.”

NEW YORK — Coach announced that Victor Luis has been appointed president and chief commercial officer. Concurrently, he has joined the board of directors. He will become CEO in January 2014. Lew Frankfort will continue as chairman and CE during this interim period and will then become executive chairman.

In the food industry’s largest ever acquisition, the H.J. Heinz Company has agreed to be acquired by an investment consortium of Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital.

Heinz shareholders will receive $72.50 a share in cash, a 20% premium to the prior day’s closing price of $60.48, which was at an all time high.

IRVING, Texas — Michaels Stores has named Chuck Rubin CEO and a member of the board of directors.  Rubin, currently the president and CEO of Ulta Beauty, will assume his new roles after a brief period of transition, at which time Michaels will discontinue the office of the CEO, established on an interim basis in May 2012.  Charles Sonsteby, a member of the office of the CEO, will continue as the company's chief administrative officer and CFO.

Austin, Texas -- Whole Foods Market reported that its first-quarter net income rose 24% to $146 million, exceeding expectations, on stronger revenue. But the grocer narrowed its revenue forecast and said its earnings growth may slow through the remainder of the year amid higher store-opening costs and plans to increase its selection of lower-priced products.

Total sales increased nearly 14% to $3.86 billion for the 16-week period that ended Jan. 20. Same-store sales were up 7.2% for the quarter.

Suffern, N.Y. -- Ascena Retail Group announced that Linda Heasley has accepted the position of president and CEO of Lane Bryant effective Feb. 18. Heasley joins Lane Bryant division after six years as president and CEO of The Limited. (The Limited has announced a search for a new chief executive.)

New York -- Tiffany & Co. has filed suit against Costco Wholesale Corp., alleging alleges trademark infringement, dilution, counterfeiting, unfair competition, injury to business reputation, false and deceptive business practices and false advertising. Tiffany said it filed the suit “to prevent further sales of counterfeit diamond engagement rings and for damages associated with prior sales.”

Milwaukee -- The Bon-Ton Stores announced that its “Your Rewards” loyalty program has been revamped and will be reintroduced beginning Feb. 15.

The new program will allow customers to begin earning rewards as soon as he or she $200 on their “Your Rewards” credit card at any of The Bon-Ton Stores seven nameplates, including Bon-Ton, Boston Store, Bergner’s, Carson’s, Elder-Beerman, Herberger’s and Younkers or online.

Charlotte, N.C. -- Belk has named Dorlisa Flur to the newly created position of EVP omni-channel, reporting to John Belk, president and chief operating officer.

Flur joins Belk after eight years at Family Dollar Stores, most recently as vice chair, strategy and chief administrative officer. Prior roles included chief merchandising officer and the EVP strategy and marketing. Prior to Family Dollar Stores, Flur spent her professional career at management consulting firm McKinsey and Company.

New York -- Coach Inc. said that its longtime CEO, Lew Frankfort, will step down in January 2014. He will be succeeded by Victor Luis, head of Coach’s international operations, at which point Frankfort will become executive chairman. Coach named Luis president and chief commercial officer in the interim and said he will also join the board.