Marketing

New York -- George Zimmer, the founder and pitchman of Men’s Wearhouse, wasted no time in firing back at the company that fired him as executive chairman on Wednesday morning.  In a statement released to CNBC, Zimmer suggested that disagreements with the company’s board led to his abrupt termination:

Art suppliers and writing instrument supplier Faber-Castell USA named Delanie West as VP of the company’s Creativity Center.

NORWOOD, Mass. — Hot Wheels has entered into a licensing agreement with Toy State, a leading manufacturer of licensed and highly stylized lights-and-sound toy vehicles. 

The agreement, which runs through 2016, gives Toy State the green light to design and build a new line of high-octane custom versions of Hot Wheels remote-controlled and lights-and-sound toys. 

NEW YORK — The Estée Lauder Companies has appointed Michael O’Hare as the company’s EVP, global human resources. O’Hare will report jointly to executive chair William P. Lauder and president and CEO Fabrizio Freda.

Virginia Beach, Va. -- Divaris Real Estate has arranged five retail leases for space in Chesapeake, Norfolk and Virginia Beach.

T-Mobile signed three leases for 4,225 sq. ft. The company will move into 1,600 sq. ft. in Kempsriver Crossing in Virginia Beach, 1,500 sq. ft. in Southern Shopping Center in Norfolk and 1,125 sq. ft. in Indian River Shoppes in Chesapeake.

Original Mattress Factory is relocating to a larger space in Sam’s Circle in Chesapeake. The new space is 2,400 sq. ft.

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.

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.

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.