Marketing

Wolverine World Wide announced the appointment of Todd Spaletto as president of the Wolverine outdoor and lifestyle group.   Spaletto will lead the growth of the Merrell, Chaco, CAT, Hush Puppies, and Sebago brands around the world. He brings 23 years of experience in branded apparel and footwear, and most recently served as president of The North Face, where he led the growth of this industry-leading global brand for six years.   

On the heels of disappointing financial results, Tiffany & Co. said that Frederic Cumenal has stepped down as CEO, effective immediately.    Cumenal, who had run the company since April 2015, is being succeeded on an interim basis by chairman and former CEO Michael Kowalski, while the company searches for a permanent replacement.    

Apple is going really big in Manhattan.   The retailer is expanding its flagship at the General Motors building on Fifth Avenue from its current 32,000-sq.-ft. to over 77,000 sq. ft. The Apple space is renowned for the glass cube located on the street level.    While the store is undergoing the expansion, Apple has temporarily moved into a space in the building that was formerly occupied by FAO Schwarz.     

For the first time in more than 15 years, Abercrombie & Fitch is launching a new store format for its namesake banner.  

More than 100 retailers and trade associations, including Walgreens Boot Alliance, Rite Aid, Walmart and Target, have joined the Americans for Affordable Products coalition in an effort to stop the Border Adjustment Tax, otherwise known as BAT, which is a component of the U.S. House Republican tax reform proposal.  

Kirkland’s same-store sales fell in the fourth quarter amid weak traffic early in December.   The home décor chain reported that its net sales for the 13 weeks ended January 28, 2017, increased 2.1% to $203.2 million compared to the year-ago period. Same- store sales for the quarter, including e-commerce sales, decreased 4.6%.  

Dollar General is setting records with its upcoming employment search.   With plans to open 1,000 new stores and two new state-of-the-art distribution centers this year, the chain is preparing to fill approximately 10,000 new jobs — about a 9% overall increase to its workforce.    The hiring spree marks the largest one-year employee increase through organic store and distribution center growth in the company’s 78-year history, the chain said.  

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. is making a new strategic investment — one that will up the ante in the hyper-competitive e-commerce marketplace.