Marketing

Underwriters Laboratories’ UL Environment division introduced an updated version of its EcoLogo to designate the sustainability of toys.

The EcoLogo is the first environmental toy standard developed with input from the Toy Industry Association (TIA), according to UL. It establishes a points-based model for the evaluation of performance, and recognizes manufacturers for sustainability leadership and innovation with the addition of a Platinum level certification for the highest achievement.

CHICAGO —  Claire's Stores has named Dina Keenan as global SVP/chief marketing officer.

Keenan recently joined the company, and is a proven marketing executive with more than 20 years of global experience in marketing strategy, brand development, advertising and retail. Her unique cross-disciplinary background comprises both agency and client side experience including The Integer Group, Bath & Body Works, Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salons & Spas and Bozell Worldwide. The CMO position reports into Jim Fielding, CEO.

New York -- Delhaize America is cutting 500 jobs, according to published reports.

News media in North Carolina reported that the Belgian supermarket operator's American subsidiary would cut 350 jobs and 150 open positions as part of a reorganization. Employees of the company received notifications of the layoffs via email, according to the reports.

Mooresville, N.C. -- Lowe’s Cos. said Friday that Sylvain Prud'homme will join the company as president of Lowe's Canada, effective March 25.

Prud’homme replaces Alan D. Huggins, who is returning to the United States as Lowe's VP international operations.

Prud'homme comes to Lowe's from Loblaw Co., where he served in EVP roles in operations and merchandising.

Chicago -- Claire's Stores announced Friday that Dina Keenan has been appointed global SVP and chief marketing officer, effectively immediately.

Keenan’s experience in marketing strategy, brand development, advertising and retail include stints at Bath & Body Works, Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salons & Spas, and Bozell Worldwide.

One of the initial focuses for Keenan will be to align her organization to support the global brand needs of Claire's and Icing, the company said.

Oak Brook, Ill. -- McDonald's Corp. reported Friday that global same-store sales decreased 1.9% in January, hurt by weakened performance outside the U.S.

By segment, comps in the U.S. rose 0.9%, but decreased 2.1% in Europe and dropped 9.5% in the Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa.
 
Systemwide sales for the month increased 0.3%, or 0.7% in constant currencies.

Seattle -- Sur La Table said Thursday it has promoted Jacob Maurer to the position of SVP – general merchandising manager for the kitchen goods chain.

The promotion is effective immediately, and will put Maurer in charge of all merchandise buying and product development functions for the company.

Fort Worth, Texas -- In an unexpected move, RadioShack said late Thursday that Walgreen Co. divisional president Joseph Magnacca will take the helm of the beleaguered consumer electronics chain as its new CEO.

INDIANAPOLIS — Hhgregg announced that it has launched a “Price Match Guarantee” to ensure that its customers receive the lowest advertised prices on merchandise both in stores and online, for up to 30 days after the date of purchase.

Target salvaged its fourth quarter with a 3.1% increase in January same store sales that followed disappointing results in December and November.

Target said sales for the five weeks ended February 2, increased 29.6% to nearly $6 billion due to the inclusion of an extra week in the recent reporting period.