Marketing

MINNEAPOLIS — The unexpected announcement that Target EVP and CFO Doug Scovanner will retire on March 31, 2012 has investors speculating about the reasons for his departure following the recent exit of other key executives.

Analysts at Bernstein Research pointed to the fact that no successor has been named, suggesting that the retirement was not a long planned for event. However, the firm said it believes that despite the unexpected news, this appears to be a true retirement and doesn't anticipate seeing Scovanner in a CFO role at another major company.

Baltimore -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers announced that it it has leased 10,774 sq. ft. of retail space to four new tenants at Festival at Woodholme, located in Baltimore.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears Holdings announced that its Shop Your Way Rewards members can now receive 5% back on all qualifying purchases at Sears and Kmart stores through Jan. 28, 2012. 

"We know budgets are tight, so we want to reward our customers by offering them ways to stretch their dollar," said Dave Friedman, SVP and president marketing at Sears Holdings. "We believe this program will help families get more out of every visit to Sears and Kmart when they use their Sears card."

Arlington, Va. -- The Retail Industry Leaders Association on Tuesday issued a statement in response to Bank of America’s decision to abandon its plan to charge new fees on debit card users.

Pittsburgh -- Dick's Sporting Goods will officially mark its entry into the state of Oklahoma on Nov. 2, with the opening of two stores in Tulsa, and one store in Broken Arrow.

In other news, Dick’s will open at Premier Center, Canton, Mich., on Nov. 2, and at Waters Place, Ann Arbor, Mich., on Nov. 4.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Earth911, an organization that gathers, distributes and analyzes localized recycling information to assist manufacturers, organizations and consumers with product end-of-life solutions, announced that Patricia Kimball, Ph.D., has joined the company as VP retail strategy group.

“Her understanding and experience with implementing end-of-life solutions is directly relevant to Earth911’s corporate mission and goals. We’re thrilled to have Patty join our team of experts.”

Kansas City, Mo. -- H&R Block said it will provide tax preparation services in an estimated 300 Wal-Mart locations nationwide beginning in December.

“This new partnership with the world's largest retailer allows us to serve more customers at times and locations that fit their busy lifestyles,” said H&R Block president and CEO Bill Cobb.

H&R Block will offer its products and services at its kiosks in Wal-Mart.
 

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Heineken USA has appointed a new senior director of regional marketing.

In his new role, Darrell Johnson will work with brand marketing, trade marketing activation and the regional marketing directors to develop a strategy and process for local programming that ensures consistent execution against national brand strategy at the local level, the company said.

Johnson will report to Heineken VP trade marketing and sales strategy Kheri Tillman.