Strategy

Wayne, N.J. -- Toys “R” Us announced the appointment of Campbell Lennox as managing director, Toys “R” Us, Australia, effective May 26.

Lennox will oversee all operations and business activities for the company’s 34 store locations and e-commerce site, as well as provide leadership for the more than 1,700 employees throughout the country. His responsibilities will include marketing, merchandising, store operations and customer service excellence.

Kirkland's experienced solid sales momentum in its stores and online during the first quarter of fiscal 2014 despite getting a slow start as a result of adverse weather. Even with a more promotional environment late in the quarter, sales remained strong and resulted in earnings performance at the high end of the company’s guidance.

Secaucus, N.J. – The Children’s Place Retail Stores Inc. saw net income and sales fall during the first quarter of fiscal 2014, compared to the same quarter a year earlier. The company plans to open 25 new North American stores, 10 fewer than originally planned, and close 35 stores for a net reduction of 10 stores during the fiscal year.

Stein Mart has named Sara Meza as director of e-commerce. Although Meza came on board in April — after a 12-year tenure at Belk where she led the original launch of the retailer’s website business — the company made the announcement in conjunction with solid first-quarter results.

Net income for the quarter decreased to $14.1 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, from a net income of $14.7 million, or $0.33 per diluted share in 2013.

Jackonsville, Fla. -- Stein Mart on Thursday said it has appointed Sara Meza as director of e-commerce.

Meza came on board in April, following a 12-year tenure at Belk where she led the original launch of the retailer’s website business.

The Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) received a $450,000 grant from Sam’s Club to support women veteran entrepreneurs through its business management training program V-WISE, Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship.

Seattle — Ross Dress for Less plans to open a new 35,000-sq.-ft. store at Ballard Blocks shopping center in Seattle, next year.

The 131,000-sq.-ft. Ballard Blocks is a LEED Silver Certified urban mixed-use retail and office project located next to the Ballard Bridge off-ramp and NW Ballard Way where more than 70,000 cars pass daily. The project has 525 parking stalls on site with an additional 50 spaces on the street.

Overstock.com released a statement lamenting the decision of Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy to delay patent troll litigation reform legislation — the same legislation requested by President Obama and passed by the House of Representatives.