Marketing

Target turned 50 this year, and chairman, president and CEO Gregg Steinhafel weighed in on the expect more, pay less (EMPL) value proposition, his 32-year career and miscellaneous other topics in a Q&A interview with the company’s online magazine known as “A Bullseye View.” To read a transcript of his comments click here.



 

Retailers are in business to sell products customers want, except when they’re not, which appears to be the case with the retailer’s decision to stop selling Amazon.com’s hugely popular Kindle devices.

Target has done quite well for itself in California, but that doesn’t mean it’s been easy. Ironically, the state with the most extensive network of Target stores also happens to be the one identified as the worst state in which to do business, according to a recent survey.

New York -- Edward Lampert, chairman of Sears Holdings, presented an ambitious plan on Wednesday to improve the company’s performance that includes updating store layouts and signage and investing in its rewards program, Reuters reported.

“We are not here to just survive. We are here to transform,” Lampert told shareholders at the company's annual meeting, according to the report.

Sears is focusing on better inventory management, having the right fashions and being more customer friendly, the report said.

Minneapolis -- Target said it will open its new smaller format concept, CityTarget, at the Beverly Connection in Los Angeles, in March 2013. The 99,000-sq.-ft. will be located on the second floor of the shopping complex, at the corner of La Cienega and Beverly Boulevard.

New York -- Target will soon stop selling the Amazon Kindle line of e-readers and tablets.

Target representative Molly Snyder said the company is "phasing out Kindles and Amazon- and Kindle-branded products in the spring of 2012,” in a report on CNNMoney.com.

The retailer has declined to comment on the specific date or the reason that the products will no longer be on its shelves. The chain will continue to sell other e-readers, including the Barnes and Noble’s Nook.

Chicago -- The Network of Executive Women (NEW) is honoring Michael Duke, president and CEO of Wal-Mart Stores, with its William J. Grize Diversity Hall of Fame Award, on June 28 during Women's Day at the LPGA in Rogers Ark.

The award, named after the late CEO of Ahold USA, who was an early advocate of industry diversity, is bestowed upon industry leaders who have demonstrated “an enduring commitment to the advancement of women and to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace,” NEW stated.

Redlands, Calif. -- Atlanta-based Arby's Restaurant Group has licensed Esri’s Business Analyst software and business data to help with corporate decision making. Arby's is using the location-based system to more accurately assess its restaurants and trade areas including growing, remodeling, and relocating restaurants.

"Esri's Business Analyst has saved our GIS analyst countless hours and has had a positive impact on the Business Development department," said Dave Conklin, senior VP business development, Arby's Restaurant Group.

Suffern, N.Y. -- The Ascena Retail Group said Wednesday it will acquire Lane Bryant parent Charming Shoppes Inc. for about $890 million.

The move gives Ascena -- which owns Dressbarn, Maurices and Justice -- entry to the large-size women's clothing market.

Oak Brook, Ill. -- The Inland Real Estate Group of Cos. announced the appointment of Timothy D. Hutchison as COO of The Inland Real Estate Group.

In this position, Hutchison will be responsible for all non-investment operations of the company. Additionally, he will retain his duties as head of The Inland Services Group, leading the shared service entities.

Hutchison joined Inland in 2005 after having spent 14 years in operations and management roles in municipal government.