Marketing

There is a leadership change underway at Stein Mart.   Dawn Robertson resigned from her position of CEO and company direc-tor. D. Hunt Hawkins, the chain’s president and COO, has been named interim CEO.  

The key to success is customer satisfaction. By arming itself with a fleet of “great personnel,” The Container Store is always ready to deliver top-notch store-level service. This message was delivered during “Doing Well by Doing Good — How to Build Trust and Win the Modern Customer,” a topic discussed yesterday at “Retail’s Digital Summit 2016.” The event, sponsored by Shop.org, a division of the National Retail Federation, was held in Dallas.

Knowing business is not just about sales, Staples leads the charge when it comes to responsible business practices.   The chain’s positive impact on society — and the planet, as a whole — has earned Staples a place on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the thirteenth year in a row. The global benchmark weighs corporate responsibility and sustainability performance among the largest 2,500 companies listed on the Dow Jones Global Total Stock Market Index.   

Zappos.com has found a new way to “wow” its passionate shoppers.    In a strategic move to drive engagement, the online shoe retailer launched its first-ever loyalty program. Called Zappos Rewards, the progression-based program will allow customers to earn points toward future purchases, get free expedited shipping on all orders, and receive early access to exclusive products and sales.  

Forest City Realty Trust has announced the completion of an agreement with Arlington County, Virginia, to transform Ballston Common Mall in a mixed-use project to be renamed Ballston Quarter.   The public-private partnership will open up the existing enclosed mall, create a public plaza in the space, and add a 406-residence residential tower adjacent to the retail center. The plan also calls for infrastructure improvements including a renovated pedestrian bridge and new landscaping  

Simon Properties has announced the impending arrivals of Cartier and Hermes at its Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto, California. This marks Hermes’ first new U.S. store in five years, according to Simon.   The 6,000-sq.-ft. Hermes shop, which will reside near Neiman Marcus in the center of the newly updated center, is scheduled to open in late 2017 or early 2018. Its focus will be on men's, women's, home, and equestrian collections.   

Petco is losing its longtime chairman and CEO.   Jim Myers, a 26-year company veteran and CEO since 2004, is retiring. Petco pesident and chief merchant Brad Weston, who joined the company in 2011, will succeed Myers as CEO, effective February 1, 2017.   Prior to joining Petco, Weston held senior leadership roles at Dick's Sporting Goods, May Merchandising Company and Robinsons-May.  

Publix Super Markets has promoted Bob McGarrity, director of construction, to VP of facilities.    McGarriity replaces 42-year company veteran Dave Duncan, who has announced his decision to retire effective Dec. 31, 2016.    In other appointments, VP of real estate Jeff Chamberlain will be promoted to senior VP, overseeing real estate and facilities, effective Jan. 1, 2017.  

As it turns out, high-fashion and Lands’ End weren’t perfect together.      Less than two years after she took the reins of Lands’ End, Federica Marchionni has stepped down as CEO. Two current Lands’ End executives—James Gooch, executive VP, COO and CFO, and Joseph Boitano, executive VP and chief merchandising and design officer—were named as interim co-CEOs, effective September 26, while the company searches for a permanent replacement.  

That was fast.   Jason Goldberger, the recently promoted chief digital officer of Target Corp., has left the company, effective immediatedly. No reason was given for his departure.    Goldberger's responsibilities will be split, with Target CIO Mike McNamara overseeing the website and digital operations, and chief merchandising officer Mike Tritton taking on pricing and promotions.