Marketing

New York City --- The Knot, a media company that targets brides-to-be and pregnant women, said Monday that Macy's has sold back its 10.7% stake in The Knot for $37.7 million.

The Knot did not give a reason for the repurchase and said it is part of a previously announced $50 million buyback plan.

The sale doesn't affect the companies' advertising and wedding registry agreements: The Knot will continue to direct wedding-minded readers to Macy's and Bloomingdale's registries, and Macy's will keep advertising in The Knot's media properties.

PLEASANTON, Calif. -- Safeway Monday announced the promotion of Mir Aamir to president customer loyalty and digital technologies, reporting to Diane Dietz, EVP, chief marketing officer. In this new role, Mir will lead Safeway's loyalty programs and oversee digital and mobile efforts related to loyalty. He will also continue to be responsible for marketing strategies, shopper analytics and insights, club card strategies and pricing.

SEATTLE -- Disney Consumer Products has partnered with Nordstrom to launch a new line of children's apparel, accessories and footwear in honor of the 45th anniversary of the "it's a small world" attraction at Disneyland. 

BEAUMONT, Texas -- Conn’s announced that it has appointed Theodore Wright to the position of interim CEO and president, following the news that Timothy Frank will step down as president and CEO of the company and resign as a director to pursue other opportunities.Conn’s said it will immediately commence a formal search to identify a permanent CEO.

Coppell, Texas -- CiCi's Pizza announced Monday that it has signed agreements for the addition of 16 units over the next five years and hired Wingstop veteran Bruce Evans to lead franchise sales.

The moves are part of CiCi's growth initiative, with the goal of adding 500 restaurants in the next eight to 10 years.

New York City -- Jill Granoff, chief executive of Kenneth Cole Productions, announced her resignation on Monday, effective immediately. She had company for three years.

In a statement, the company described the decision to find a new CEO as "mutual."

Kenneth Cole, who founded the firm in 1982, will take on Granoff’s duties temporarily as the search for a new CEO begins.

New York City -- Target Corp. said its annual sales may top $100 billion within the next seven years, with revenue boosted by its first expansion outside the United States, Bloomberg reported.

The chain also may double earnings per share over that period, CFO Douglas Scovanner said Thursday on a conference call after fourth-quarter results. Net income in the period ended Jan. 29 rose 11% to $1.04 billion.

Los Angeles -- Caruso Affiliated said it has named Paul Kurzawa as the company’s new COO, a newly created position for the company. Kurzawa was previously executive VP operations for Caruso.

The firm also outlined a comprehensive expansion program that is designed to double its size in the next five years, according to founder and CEO Rick Caruso. Caruso outlined the company’s business goals and platform for growth at a recent employee meeting.