Strategy

Walmart and Hobby Lobby top the retailer list of the first ever annual Faith Equality Index.

Faith Driven Consumer, a group that represents 41 million Christian consumers, has published an index rating the faith compatibility of major brands both in the consumer and entertainment spheres, as well as serving as a voice for this community.

DSW Inc. has promoted its omnichannel retailing chief to be its new CEO as the company positions itself for long-term growth.

The company said Roger L. Rawlins, executive vice president and CIO, will succeed Michael R. MacDonald as CEO effective Jan. 1. MacDonald, who is retiring from DSW and from the board of directors, will remain with the company through the end of the year to help ensure a smooth transition. Rawlins will be appointed to the DSW board effective Jan. 1. 

Godiva Chocolatier has opened an in-store boutique in Macy’s Herald Square flagship in Manhattan.

Shoppers can create their own bespoke assortment of chocolates in the shop, which is accented with the brand’s signature gold throughout. The boutique features the largest chocolate case in North America. It’s also the first to include a large communal table, complimented by café seating.

American Eagle Outfitters is adding brands to its portfolio that could diversify the company's reach and eventually lead to new store formats.

American Eagle has acquired Todd Snyder New York, an upscale menswear brand, and Snyder’s Tailgate Clothing Co., a vintage sports-inspired brand that operates a college-town store concept.

Todd Synder, founder and creative director of his eponymous company, will join American Eagle as executive VP, reporting to Chad Kessler, global brand president, American Eagle

The top executive over Health and Wellness of Walmart's U.S. division is leaving to join Brookdale Senior Living as its COO.

Labeed Diab will have responsibility for all aspects of Brookdale’s operations, including community and field operations, marketing and sales.

Who are the leading women working in retail technology? Chain Store Age is accepting nominations for its annual feature recognizing female retail executives who are helping to transform the industry through technology.

The “Top 10 Women in Retail Tech” will celebrate the achievements of retail executives from all areas of technology. The winners will be profiled in a special section of the January 2016 issue of Chain Store Age as well as in an online report on chainstoreage.com

Mega deals worth more than $1 billion drove the U.S. retail and consumer sector’s strong third quarter, according to PwC’s U.S. quarterly R&C Deals Insights report.

During the three-month period ending Sept. 30, 36 deals valued over $50 million were announced for the sector, with deal value up 64% in the third quarter, accounting for $46.6 billion, compared to $28.4 billion in the second quarter. Deal volume went up 6% from the second quarter, but down 36% from third quarter 2014.