Strategy

The Department of Labor’s long-awaited proposed revisions to the “white collar” overtime exemptions are finally here – at least, in part.  On June 30, 2015, the DOL unveiled its proposed revisions to the required salary levels for many of the “white collar” exemptions to the FLSA’s overtime requirements.(The FLSA establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and youth employment standards affecting employees in the private sector and in Federal, State, and local governments.)

Guess, operator of more than 800 stores worldwide, has appointed a fast fashion veteran as executive chairman. 

New York -- A former chief information officer at Walmart is joining retail technology firm Newgistics.

Gene Wojciechowski has been named CIO of Newgistics, where he will be tasked with providing executive leadership and strategic direction for all of Newgistics’ core technology operations.

A former chief information officer at Walmart is joining retail technology firm Newgistics.

The company has hired Gene Wojciechowski as its chief information officer (CIO). Wojciechowski brings nearly 30 years of experience leading IT organizations at companies including Walmart.com, UPS Freight Services and Staples to his new role, where he’ll be tasked with providing executive leadership and strategic direction for all of Newgistics’ core technology operations.

New York – Barnes & Noble Inc. will officially spin off its education unit on Aug. 2, 2015. Barnes & Noble shareholders will receive 0.632 shares of Barnes & Noble Education stock for each share of Barnes & Noble stock they hold as of July 27, 2015.

Barnes & Noble Education will function as a separate public company and trade under the symbol BNED on the New York Stock Exchange. Barnes & Noble will continue trading on the NYSE under the symbol BKS.

QVC is ramping up its distribution network on the West Coast with a new, state of the art facility in Ontario, Calif.

The multichannel retailer plans to open a West Coast distribution hub there in 2016. As QVC ramps up operations, the center is expected to employ more than 500 team members by 2018. QVC anticipates hiring approximately 1,000 team members in total by 2020 as the distribution center expands fulfillment to all product categories.

Greensboro, N.C. – Outlet shopping center operator Tanger Factory Outlet Centers Inc. is launching new sustainability initiatives for its U.S. locations promoting alternative energy usage.

Among these initiatives is a nationwide electric vehicle (EV) charging network system that will be available at 23 Tanger Outlets locations in the U.S.

Tanger has partnered with ChargePoint Networks to develop and maintain the network providing multiple spaces for EV owners with no added cost.

With its stock trading at a 52-week low, Sears has made an interesting choice to lead its department store business.

The company says it has found a new executive to develop a strategy for the Sears format that focuses on meeting the needs of the Shop Your Way member.