Marketing

Hingham, Mass. — Talbots Inc. posted a bigger-than-expected second-quarter loss on Wednesday, largely due to increased markdowns. The retailer also said that chief creative officer Michael Smaldone has departed the company, effective immediately.

Talbots reported a net loss of $37.3 million for the period ended July 30, compared with a profit of $941,000 a year earlier. Revenue fell 10% to $271.1 million from $300.7 million. Same-stores sales fell 10.4%.

NAPERVILLE, Ill. and BOCA RATON, Fla. — OfficeMax and Office Depot had very different things to say about their respective back-to-school sales performances during presentations at the Goldman Sachs Annual Global Retailing Conference.

OfficeMax has been experiencing slower sales as consumers continue to be price conscious. In addition, Ravi Saligram, president and CEO of OfficeMax, reported that back-to-school sales are soft and the company is experiencing weaker technology sales.

Columbus, Ohio -- Casto said Wednesday that Larry Schwenker has joined the firm as VP property management.

Schwenker’s primary focus will be on the organization’s Midwest and Alabama commercial portfolio, which totals approximately 15 million sq. ft.

Schwenker was most recently a principal at Bryant Management Services, based in Atlanta.
 

SAN FRANCISCO — Staples charitable arm, Staples Foundation, has partnered with The Hispanic Scholarship Fund to expand educational outreach and scholarship opportunities for Hispanic students and their families. As part of this partnership, Staples Foundation is awarding a $100,000 grant to fund community outreach programming and 22 Staples scholarships for Latino college students majoring in business, according to the company. This is the first partnership between HSF and Staples

Dallas — Zale Corporation announced that Brad Furry has been named SVP, CIO. Prior to joining Zale, he spent 21 years at The Neiman Marcus Group, most recently as VP enterprise services.

Furry will have responsibility for all information technology strategy and operations functions throughout the company.

HINGHAM, Mass. — Talbots is searching for a new chief creative officer, as the company struggles to find a product assortment that will translate into sales growth. The company's current chief creative officer, Michael Smaldone has left the company, effective immediately.

Algonquin, Ill. -- Oak Brook, Ill.-based Inland Real Estate Corp. said Wednesday that Niko’s Lodge has leased the space formerly occupied by Barley House at Algonquin Commons in Algonquin, Ill.

Niko’s Lodge, a wilderness-themed steak and seafood restaurant, will open in the 8,824-sq.-ft. space in late October. This will be the restaurant’s second location.

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation announced that it has sent a letter to the congressional “super committee” on deficit reduction urging the panel to focus on initiatives that will boost the economy and create jobs.