Strategy

Sales and marketing services leader Crossmark unveiled a first-of-its-kind collaboration center on July 10 just steps from Walmart’s Bentonville, Arkansas, headquarters. The new facility offers the retailer and its trading partners a wide range of joint business planning, shopper insights and store execution capabilities.

New Albany, Ohio -- Abercrombie & Fitch has reorganized its Diversity & Inclusion structure. Todd Corley, who has led the efforts since 2004, is leaving to launch the TAPO Institute, which will focus on inclusive leadership based on “principles of transparency, authenticity, persistence, and optimism,” Abercrombie said.

Though sales were up 3% and income increased 1% for WD-40 Company in the third quarter, shares for the lubricants and cleaner supplier were down more than 6% Thursday morning after management narrowed the full-year guidance.

Net sales for the quarter came in at $95.7 million, up from $93.1 million in the same quarter last year. This was largely carried by sales of multi-purpose maintenance products; sales of homecare and cleaning products decreased 1%.

New York -- American Apparel Inc. has reached an agreement with its largest shareholders that will bolster its financial situation, remake its board, and keep the retailer’s manufacturing in the United States.

New York -- Ron Johnson, who has been keeping a low profile since he was ousted from J.C. Penney in April 2013, made a rare guest appearance at Stanford University. Johnson, a graduate of Stanford and a member of its board, was a guest speaker at the university's View From the Top series in May, where he discussed with Stanford Graduate School of Business students Penny, Apple and Target and the lessons learned over his career in retail.

The nonprofit charity arm of Stater Bros. Markets has promoted Nancy Negrette to executive director.
 
In her new position, Negrette will work with Stater Bros. Charities CEO Sally Atkinson to oversee the nonprofit’s efforts in the areas the company’s employees work.
 

Minneapolis — The Opus Group announced plans to build three 52,000-sq.-ft. retail buildings for St. Paul, Minnesota-based Gander Mountain. The new retail stores will be located in Augusta, Georgia; Newnan, Georgia and Algonquin, Illinois.

Columbus, Ohio — Glimcher Realty Trust has appointed Kenneth Marshall to the role of VP, Development. In this position, Marshall will support the company’s development strategy, contributing to the leadership and implementation of redevelopment projects throughout the portfolio.

Prior to joining Glimcher, Marshall served as executive VP of the Commercial Division of Colonial Properties Trust (now MAA). In addition, he has served as VP and Regional Development Director for The Westfield Corp.