Marketing

The first indication that something big was brewing with Walmart on the domestic sourcing front came last week.

That’s when Walmart announced internally at that SVP of home, Michelle Gloeckler, would assume additional responsibilities for a new U.S. sourcing and manufacturing initiative. Reporting to Gloeckler is Greg Hall who was named vp of U.S. sourcing and manufacturing after previously serving as vp of marketing for Walmart.com.

Mason, Ohio -- Pearle Vision announced its 2013 U.S. expansion plans, which includes the re-licensing of 34 locations in 10 states.

With more than 520 eye care centers in the United States, Pearle Vision is now seeking to grow its national footprint and has identified Florida, Ohio, and Michigan as the first markets for its aggressive re-licensing effort. Specifically in Florida, Pearle Vision is looking to convert locations in Miami, West Palm Beach, Naples, Jacksonville, and Orlando.

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. — Surveillance technology developer Universal Surveillance Systems has named Amanda Kirtlan, Robyn Broderick and Nicole Finley as national account managers.

Universal Surveillance Systems offers security solutions designed to deter theft, prevent loss and increase profitability, as well as customer support to Fortune 500 clients, worldwide leading retailers and local communities.

NEW YORK — Duane Reade, which is owned by Walgreens, has increased Duane Reade brand hosiery sales by close to 20% thanks to a seven-week social media campaign launched in November to raise awareness of those products — produced by Doris Hosiery Mills.

TAMPA, Fla. — Sterling Payment Technologies, a leading national payment processor, has appointed Jeffrey Akeson to executive director of third party/ISO sales.  

Sterling Payment Technologies is a customer-focused payment processor which provides merchants with a complete range of electronic payment services, including credit, debit, PIN debit, fleet, gift card and proprietary rewards and loyalty programs. The company combines POS technology and value-added merchant solutions.

New York -- Jerry McDougal, retail VP for Apple Inc., will be leaving the company, according to a Wednesday report by Bloomberg.

He will be replaced by Jim Bean, a VP in Apple’s finance division.

Company spokesman Steve Dowling told Bloomberg that Bean will be an apt replacement for McDougal, who served under former CEO Ron Johnson for many years.

Framingham, Mass. -- Staples announced that John Burke, SVP business services, has been named to the newly created position of SVP chief culture officer. Burke joined Staples more than 23 years ago and led its Business Services team for 12 years.

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — Staples has promoted SVP of business services John Burke to SVP, chief culture officer, a newly created role.

Burke will be charged with leading global efforts focused on building Staples’ culture and for driving improved associate engagement. He will champion Staples’ approach to ethics, environmental sustainability, community relations and diversity and inclusion. Burke will also serve as president of the Staples Foundation, the company’s nonprofit philanthropic organization.