Marketing

Staples on Monday announced several key executive moves as part of an organizational “streamlining.” But the retailer did not mention that it also was cutting hundreds of corporate jobs, according to a published report.

The report, by Fortune.com, said that pink slips were handed to both junior and senior employees of the chain.

Patricia Whisler played a key role in the success of The Buckle but now she is stepping down from a key role in the apparel and accessories retailer’s merchandising organization.

The Buckle, Inc. has announced that Whisler, senior VP of Women’s Merchandising, will retire from her position with the company later this spring.

Toys"R"Us is urging shoppers to bring in their recalled and outdated baby items during its annual Great Trade-In event next month at stores nationwide.

The event will take place at Babies"R"Us and Toys"R"Us stores Feb. 1 through Feb. 29. And, new this year, the company's Rewards"R"Us loyalty members can take advantage of early access to the in-store event beginning Jan. 29, by showing their Rewards"R"Us card during checkout.

Athletic wear giant Under Armour plans to open some 200 store in 2016, according to The Street. While the brand did not comment, the report said the expansion would likely include a mixture of store types, including outlet locations, “Brand House” stores, (the company’s full-price, experiential format) and in-store shops. [The Street]

Executives from Sprouts and Albertson’s/Safeway are among the newly appointed board members at the Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC).

The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) elected four new board members during its annual January meeting in LaQuinta, Calif. The newly elected directors are:

Photo: Marvin Ellison, CEO, J.C. Penney

Oakbrook, Illinois -- Retail Properties of America announced that it has acquired two-properties to add to its portfolio, which include Merrifield Town Center II and Shoppes at Hagerstown, both located in the greater Washington, D.C./Baltimore area. The properties were acquired through an off-market transaction, on an unencumbered basis, for a combined purchase price of $72.7 million.

In the name of creating a more efficient and focused organization, Staples announced several key senior leadership moves while its acquisition of rival Office Depot appears in jeopardy.

Shira Goodman, currently president, North American commercial, has been named president, North American operations with responsibility for Staples’ business-to-business, online and retail operations across the United States and Canada.