Marketing

AMSTERDAM — The Tommy Hilfiger Group has announced the appointment of John Ermatinger to CEO of the company's Asia business, effective Aug. 1. In this newly created position Ermatinger will report to Fred Gehring, CEO of the Tommy Hilfiger Group. Ermatinger will be based in the Tommy Hilfiger Hong Kong offices.

As CEO of the Asia business, Ermatinger will oversee all business activities in Asia, including the subsidiary Tommy Hilfiger Japan, the joint venture Tommy Hilfiger China, and the various licensed businesses throughout the territory.  

Seattle -- Amazon reported Tuesday that sales for the quarter ended June 30 soared 51% to $9.9 billion.

Profits dipped 8% to $191 million from $207 million on surging operating costs, but still beat Wall Street expectations.

Bentonville, Ark. -- The Walton Family Foundation revealed Wednesday that it will donate $50 million to Teach For America, a commitment that stands to nearly double the size of the organization’s teaching ranks.

The charity that was created by the founder of Wal-Mart Stores will mete out half of the funds over a three-year period, and will increase the number of teachers to 15,000 by 2015. The remaining half of the donation will support the training of existing Teach for America instructors in seven communities.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Kohl’s Department Stores announced that it has awarded 10 students, ranging in age from 10 to 17, with a total of $10,000 in scholarship money for post-secondary education. In addition to the scholarships, Kohl’s will donate $1,000 to a nonprofit organization of each winner’s choice. 

Amsterdam -- The Tommy Hilfiger Group said Wednesday it has named John Ermatinger as CEO of the company's Asia business, effective Aug. 1.

Ermatinger was previously president of Gap Asia Pacific for two years and president of Gap Japan for three years. Under his leadership, Gap successfully launched the brand in China.

Youngstown, Ohio -- Shopping center owner Cafaro Co. said Wednesday that Books-A-Million will fill vacant and soon-to-be vacant spaces in a lineup of its malls around the country.

Beginning in August, new Books-A-Million stores will open at Spotsylvania Towne Centre, Fredericksburg, Va.; Millcreek Mall, Erie, Pa.; and Meadowbrook Mall, Bridgeport, W.V.

NEW YORK — Barnes & Noble announced that Miwa Messer has been named director of the Discover Great New Writers program. Established in 1990, the Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers program has championed new talent and been a showcase for our commitment to new writers, the company reported.

Newark, Calif. -- NewPark Mall, in Newark, Calif., has opened an in-house cultural arts center, the NewPark Mall Cultural Corner.

The just-opened cultural center, located on the lower level near Sears, provides exhibit space for the work of local artisans, including painters, sculptors, photographers and digital artists.

NewPark Mall is anchored by Macy's, Sears, J.C. Penney, Target and Burlington Coat Factory. It is owned and managed by General Growth Properties, Chicago.