Marketing

Flip Flop Shops is expanding in both the physical and online channels.   The company, which was acquired by Cherokee Global Brands last year, is introducing a new “super kiosk” format. Measuring approximately 300 sq. ft. and built in the shape of a giant flip flop, the concept is slated for national rollout. It is designed to offer a nimble and novel format expansion to Flip Flop Shops’ retail presence.  

Tiffany & Co. has hired Mark Erceg to become its next executive VP and CFO, effective Oct. 18, 206.   Erceg, 47, who will be responsible for the company’s worldwide financial, indirect procurement and information technology functions, replaces Tiffany’s former CFO who left the retailer in May.   Previously, Erceg was with Canadian Pacific Railway Limited, where he has served as executive VP and CFO since May 2015.  

Apparel retailer Nasty Girl, one of the hottest apparel merchants on the Internet just a few years back, is looking for a possible buyer, Women’s Wear Daily reported.  

James Han has joined Lowe's Cos. as senior VP of business development.    In this new role, Han is responsible for accelerating the company's business development strategy which involves identifying and implementing growth opportunities through new and emerging businesses, exponential innovation and corporate ventures. He reports to chief development officer Richard Maltsbarger.  

Photo: Brian Woods

Officials in Sarasota, Florida, are envisioning building a mixed-use project on the site of the town’s Ringling Shopping Center, the site over which Walmart lost a fight to build a new store.

The 9.7-acre site could accommodate 222 residential units and 175,000 sq. ft. of office and retail space. Customer traffic at Ringling Shopping Center, Sarasota’s oldest, had fallen off precipitously in recent years.

Digital retailing is on the rise, but sometimes you just need to speak to a human being.

Online home furnishings retailer Wayfair is making this task even easier for its growing customer base with the opening of a new customer service center in Bangor, Maine. The facility will employ 450 full-time customer service positions, a workforce that will reinforce an already-reputable retail experience among its rapidly growing customer base.

Kroger Co. posted second quarter earnings that topped expectations but the chain cut its guidance for the year citing ongoing price deflation.

"If you look at the price of milk, eggs and commodities like that, they're historically low. Meat continues to be deflationary and produce is on a deflationary trend," Kroger CFO Michael Schlotman said on CNBC on Friday.

The nation’s largest specialty bedding retailer posted disappointing results on Friday for its second quarter.

Mattress Firm Holding Corp. on Friday reported a loss of $2.2 million, after reporting a profit in the same period a year earlier.

Revenue increased 48.2% of $980 million, which also fell short of Street forecasts, reflecting incremental sales from acquired and new stores.

Same-store sales fell 1.1%.