Marketing

PAWTUCKET, R.I. -- Hasbro announced that it has signed a strategic development agreement with Jagex Limited to jointly create a new online game based on the Transformers brand. Under the agreement, the two companies are slated to launch the Transformers online game in 2012 in North America, Latin America, Europe, New Zealand and Australia.

SECAUCUS, N.J.  -- The Children's Place Retail Stores has announced the appointment of Michael Giannelli as SVP design, effective March 28, 2011. He will report to Natalie Levy, EVP merchandising and design.

Giannelli spent 18 years with Gap Inc., culminating in his appointment as VP Gap Body. For 12 years of his tenure with the company, he designed children's apparel and non-apparel for Gap Kids and Baby Gap. Most recently, Giannelli held the position of SVP design for Ann Taylor Loft. 

NEW YORK -- Macy’s announced Matthew Williamson as the second acclaimed fashion designer to take part in the designer capsule collection series for the retailer’s contemporary fashion Impulse department. Sold in approximately 225 Macy’s stores nationwide and on macys.com beginning April 13, Williamson’s collection will include dresses, tops, scarves and unique leather and suede pieces.

Price points for the collection will range from $50 to $120, with specialty pieces selling up to $300. 

CHICAGO -- The Network of Executive Women,  the consumer products and retail industry’s largest diversity organization, has announced leadership changes. Joan Toth has been named president and CEO of the Network of Executive Wome. She has held the title of executive director since shortly after the Network was founded in 2001.

The Network’s top elected official--Michelle Gloeckler, SVP merchandising execution at Walmart Stores--has been named Network chair. She had previously served has president

Walker, Mich. -- Meijer announced Monday it will invest $75 million to remodel 10 stores in Michigan and Ohio.

Eight of the stores slated for renovation are in Michigan and two are in Ohio.

“We are pleased to reinforce our commitment to these communities,” said CEO Hank Meijer. “Our customers expect high standards from us, and our investment in these stores will ensure they continue to receive our best.”

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Chico's announced that Celia Rao Visconti has been named SVP marketing for Chico's. Rao Visconti will report directly to Cinny Murray, brand president of Chico's and will oversee the brand's marketing strategy and initiatives.  

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens has expanded Joseph Magnacca's role at the drug store chain by appointing him president of daily living products and solutions.

Birmingham, Ala. — Hibbett Sports Inc. said Friday that its fiscal fourth-quarter net income climbed 6% on higher sales. The sporting goods retailer also predicts its fiscal 2012 earnings will be in line with Wall Street's view.

Hibbett Sports reported net income of $12.5 million for the period ended Jan. 29, up from $11.8 million a year earlier, better than Wall Street expected.

Revenue rose 4% to $173.2 million from $166.8 million, but fell short of Wall Street's estimate of $174.2 million. Same-store sales rose 1.2%.