Marketing

Seattle -- Outdoor gear and apparel retailer REI said Monday it has promoted Brian Unmacht to COO, expanding his role to oversee retail, e-commerce, merchandising, private brands, information technology and supply chain.

Unmacht started at REI as a store supervisor in 1986 and has risen through the ranks, most recently serving as executive VP over sales, service, store development and logistics.

Dallas -- Tuesday Morning Corp. on Monday reported a loss of $7 million for the quarter ended Sept. 30, widened from a loss of $5.7 million in the year-ago quarter.

The clearance retailer’s new CEO Brady Churches also announced the departure of executive VP and COO Michael Marchetti, a 12-year veteran of Tuesday Morning.

In the first quarter, the company saw revenue edge up 1.3% to $172.8 million and same-store sales increased 1.7%.

By Bruce M. Cross, [email protected]

In the holiday rush, it's easy to overlook wage-hour issues. This article discusses common ones to which retailers should be alerted, including: temporary workers and independent contractors; unpaid interns and trainees; “off-the-clock” work, meal and rest breaks; seating requirements; cost of uniforms; workplace safety; and overtime exemptions.

Temporary workers

Dallas -- Dave & Buster's Inc. said Monday it has named Kevin Bachus as its senior VP entertainment and game strategy, effective immediately.

Bachus is co-creator of the Xbox videogame console system. He joins Dave & Buster's from social network Bebo, where he was chief product officer.
 
In the newly created Dave & Buster’s role, Bachus will be responsible for driving the evolution from on-premise-based entertainment to multi-platform gaming, including mobile and online.
 

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Books-A-Million has named Mary Jane Karwoski as VP human resources. Karwoski will be responsible for overseeing employee relations, compensation, benefits, training and development and recruiting for Books-A-Million.

“I am excited to welcome Mary Jane to the BAM team. Her impressive experience has well prepared her for this leadership role, and I know she will keep the best interest of our thousands of dedicated associates as her top priority,” said Terrance Finley, CEO and president of Books-A-Million Inc.

NEW YORK — Banana Republic customers can't seem to get enough of the 'Mad Men' style, so the retailer is bringing back the collection for a third installment beginning March 1, 2013.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Thursday announced the appointment of Brad Fluegel as SVP and chief strategy officer. Fluegel will be responsible for corporate strategy, business development, project management and the corporate consulting team while also working on venture capital efforts.

New York -- Mitchell Modell, CEO of Modell’s Sporting Goods, will be featured on the upcoming season premier of the Emmy Award-winning reality series “Undercover Boss.”

In the show, which will air on Friday, Nov.2 (8 p.m.-9 p.m. ET), Modell will go undercover as he ventures to the frontlines of his sporting goods and athletic apparel store for an unfiltered look into the inner workings of his corporation.
 

New York -- Lowe's Cos. is seeking to hire two senior executives that could play a role in its CEO succession plan, according to the Associated Press.

The chain is looking for a chief merchandising officer and a head of supply chain. The positions were left vacant in May due to a reorganization.

Lowe’s is looking both internally and externally, the report said.

New York -- Perfumania Holdings announced today the appointment of Linda G. Levy to senior VP and chief marketing officer, effective immediately. She was previously VP merchandise marketing for cosmetics and fragrances at Macy’s.