Marketing

Toronto – Despite efforts by her previous employer to block the transition, former Kohl’s CIO Janet Schalk is joining Hudson’s Bay Co. in the same capacity. Schalk initially informed Kohl’s she would be leaving effective July 31 to take the Hudson’s Bay CIO post.

Cincinnati - The Kroger Co.is establishing two new supermarket divisions in Texas -- a Dallas division and a Houston division. Previously, both markets were served as part of Kroger's Southwest division.

Pittsburgh – Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc. is partnering with two top brands to open specialty stores-within-a-store at select Dick’s locations. In a conference call with investors, Dick’s CEO Ed Stack said the retailer will pilot stores-within-a-store from Nike Air Jordan and Polo Sport later this year and next year.

Toano, Va. – Shuffling in the executive ranks continues at embattled Lumber Liquidators Holdings Inc., in the wake of accusations the retailer sold Chinese hardwood laminate products that had illegal levels of formaldehyde. Lumber Liquidators has hired Jill Witter as chief compliance and legal officer.  

New York - Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th plans to open a new store in spring 2016 at Gateway Shopping Centers in Austin, Texas. The new 50,000-sq.-ft. store will be fashioned in an open, modular layout, and feature a unique and unparalleled selection of designer finds for both men and women.

Bentonville, Ark. -- In a shift to quality over quantity, Walmart has cut expansion plans for its Neighborhood Market stores despite the format’s consistently strong top line growth in recent years.

Dallas – Encore Retail, LLC, a subsidiary of Encore Enterprises, Inc., has acquired land to develop a 16+ acre high-density Class A mixed-use development in the affluent Town of Bedford, New Hampshire. The development is planned to be over 200,000 sq. ft. and will consist of fashion, recreation, fitness, dining and office space located in New Hampshire's retail and business hub.

The property is positioned along South River Road at the intersection of Route 101 and Everett Turnpike

New Albany, Ohio - Abercrombie & Fitch Co. has named a new brand leadership team the retailer hopes will collectively help drive the Abercrombie brand forward.  

The new brand leadership team includes the following executives:

• Stacie Beaver, general manager for Abercrombie Womens. Having held a variety of senior positions at Abercrombie for more than 15 years, Beaver most recently led the Bottoms business for men and women across Hollister and Abercrobmie.
 

Pittsburgh – Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc. beat Wall Street expectations for profit but failed to meet the Street with sales growth in the second quarter of fiscal 2015. The retailer also announced it plans to open 44 new Dick’s Sporting Goods stores and nine new Field & Stream stores, as well as relocate five Dick’s Sporting Goods stores and one Golf Galaxy store, during fiscal 2015.

Houston – Francesca’s Holdings Corp. is looking for someone to run its merchandising operation. Sei Jin Alt, chief merchandising officer of Francesca’s, will be resigning from the company to spend more time with her family and pursue other interests.

Francesca’s has initiated a search for a new chief merchandising officer. To facilitate a smooth transition, Alt will remain in her current role until Nov. 20, 2015.