Marketing

By Robert Gordman, president, The Gordman Group

(Editor’s  Note: Retail consultant Bob Gordman offers some interesting insights into what he calls “two of the most dramatically opposite” retail case studies in recent years: lululemon athletica and J.C. Penney Co.)

New York -- U.K. retailing giant Tesco PLC could give up its American supermarket venture, Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market, if the chain continues to disappoint and not make a profit, RetailWeek and other British news organizations reported.

In remarks at the company’s annual meeting on Friday, Tesco CEO Philip Clarke said: “If we see there is no chance of success, we’ll do as we’ve just done in Japan,” referring to Tesco’s deal this month to exit that market.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Heineken USA has promoted Paul Smailes to the position of digital manager Heineken Global. In his new role, Smailes will report to Cyril Charzat, global Heineken brand director, and will be responsible for developing Heineken's digital strategy and enhancing the brand's global competitive market advantage.

Family Dollar’s third quarter results were not as good as expected, but only marginally so, and the company’s growth strategy and potential to steal traffic from Walmart remain intact.

NEW YORK — New York & Company, a specialty apparel chain with 541 retail stores in operation as of May 17, has named Laura Weil as EVP, COO, effective immediately. Weil, an executive consultant of New York & Company since Feb. 1, will continue to report to Greg Scott, CEO, and lead the company’s planning and allocation, sourcing, product life management, real estate, and information technology areas.

Walmart’s Bodega Aurrera stores in Mexico and Lider stores in Chile are among the most valuable Brands in Latin American, according to an extensive new report by global communications giant WPP.

BEAVERTON, Ore. — Nike reported that fourth quarter revenues rose 12%t, or 14% on a currency neutral basis, to $6.5 billion, the largest revenue quarter in the company's history. This was a result of higher revenues across every Nke brand geography, key category and product type.

NEW YORK — Macy's is offering Katy Perry fans the chance to see her movie, "Katy Perry: Part of Me," for free just for shopping in its stores. On Saturday, June 30, at more than 650 Macy’s locations nationwide, with any purchase of $50 or more in the Macy’s MSTYLELAB departments customers will receive one ticket to the film.

ABILENE, Kan. — A new era has begun at Duckwall-ALCO Stores, as the company's shareholders have approved the company's name change to ALCO. The change was approved at the company's annual shareholders' meeting on June 27. ALCO Stores also plans to change its ticker symbol on NASDAQ to "ALCS." Both the name change and the change in ticker symbol will be effective as of July 6.

NEW YORK — The Jones Group has appointed Scott Bowman to the newly created role of group president global retail and international development, effective immediately. Bowman will oversee the international strategy and operations of retail and licensing for the company's portfolio of fashion brands.  He will report to Richard Dickson, president and CEO of branded businesses at The Jones Group.