Marketing

Vernon, Calif. - True Religion Apparel Inc. has named John Ermatinger CEO, effective immediately. Current CEO David Conn is stepping down.

Ermatinger has been serving as True Religion’s interim senior VP of global sourcing and production will build on the strategic initiatives that have been implemented since TowerBrook’s acquisition in July 2013 and will guide the company into its next phase of development.

Fremont, Calif. - The Men's Wearhouse, Inc. has named Ben Baum as executive VP and chief digital officer, reporting to Doug Ewert, CEO. In this newly created position, Baum will lead all digital and omnichannel commerce and initiatives across digital, mobile and emerging platforms.

Baum previously served as chief digital officer of Bebe Stores Inc.; head of business development, multichannel retail, shopping at Google Inc.; and several merchandising positions at Target, including women's apparel and segmentation merchandising.

Washington, D.C. - The National Retail Federation (NRF) is hiring Mark Mathews as VP of research development and industry analysis. Mathews will develop, evaluate and direct research initiatives for NRF’s Retail Research and Analysis Center, which was announced in April.

Mathews brings more than two decades of research strategy and management experience to his new post.

Boca Raton, Fla. - Office Depot Inc. is launching a new free Office Depot app for Apple Watch. Features include: voice-activated search for products, an ink and toner finder, and an Office Depot and OfficeMax retail store locator.

The new app also provides voice-activated product search, ink level checks of Wifi-enabled HP computers, and daily deals.

As more retailers look to offer curated merchandise to shoppers, Lands' End has launched a new microsite allowing customers to shop products selected by "guest editors".

The architect of the reinvention of Domino's Pizza will become the next CEO of Toys"R"Us in July.

David A. Brandon will succeed Antonio Urcelay, as he is retiring from the company.

Brandon, 63, has deep experience in growing businesses, developing talent and building high-performance cultures that enable organizations to create and capture value.

A Wolverine World Wide executive is joining the Neiman Marcus Group as executive VP, COO and CFO.

Kohl’s is joining Walmart and other retailers in stepping up to help with flood relief efforts in Texas and Oklahoma.

Kohl’s has announced it will be donating $100,000 to the American Red Cross, which is delivering much-needed emergency supplies and services in the impacted areas. In addition to a financial contribution, Kohl’s encourages its associates to volunteer in support of cleanup efforts through its Associates in Action volunteer program.

Saks Fifth Avenue will be soaring to new heights with an unprecedented promotional event at its flagship store in New York City this month.

Sixteen dancers from the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School in Florida will be performing live in the windows of the store on Fifth Avenue on June 6 and June 7.

Vera Bradley Inc. has hired an executive with the Fossil Group to be its new chief marketing officer.

Vera Bradley announced that Theresa Palermo has been named CMO and will join the company on June 22.