Strategy

Chestnut Hill, Mass., and Greensboro, N.C. — Tanger Factory Outlet Centers and WS Development have announced plans to partner on the development of an upscale outlet center in Cheshire, Conn. The two companies will co-own the center, which is now in the pre-development stage.

Located at the I-691 and Route 10 interchange, the site features visibility and convenience.

Chicago -- Claire's Stores on Tuesday said its CEO, James D. Fielding, has resigned. He will be replaced by Beatrice Lafon, currently president of Claire’s Europe, effective April 2. The specialty retailer also posted a lower profit for the fourth quarter amid a drop in sales.

Fielding joined Claire's from The Walt Disney Co. in June 2012.

Matthews, N.C. -- Family Dollar is expanding its food assortment with the introduction of more than 400 new food items in each of its more than 8,000 stores across the country.

"At Family Dollar our focus is on our customer," said Jason Reiser, Family Dollar executive VP and chief merchandising officer, in a statement. “It’s important for us to constantly evaluate our assortment, making sure that we have the products and national brands that are relevant to her and her family, always at a great everyday value."

To survive the long, bumpy ride through the recent recession, many retail logistics executives focused on cost reduction. This necessary objective drove important changes in supply chain strategy, from network right-sizing to innovative warehouse automation and energy-efficiency tactics. A “lean and mean” supply chain model arose, and quickly became vital to survival.

Toano, Va. -- Lumber Liquidators is expanding its board of directors from eight to nine members with the appointment of Nancy M. Taylor as a Class III director effective April 1. Taylor currently serves as the president and CEO of Tredegar Corp., serving in such roles since January 2010, and is a member of Tredegar's board of directors.

Brussels, Belgium -- Delhaize Group has signed an agreement with Tropic Group B.V. to divest all of its 39 Bosnian & Herzegovinian stores. Tropic Group B.V. is an entrepreneurial organization founded by retail executive Bojan Risović.

The transaction is expected to complete in third quarter 2014, subject to regulatory approval and working capital adjustments. Terms were not disclosed. Delhaize originally purchased the stores from Serbian retailer Delta Maxi in 2011.

After 37 years with Kroger, Robert Williams is stepping down from his role as SVP of operations in May.

Williams has served in his current role since 2007 and oversees seven of Kroger’s supermarket divisions. His successor was not immediately named.

Los Angeles and Tokyo — Pinkberry has selected Royal Holdings to roll out franchises across Japan. An experienced franchisee, Royal Holdings operates 722 restaurants across several brands.

The initial development plan calls for 50 Pinkberry frozen yogurt stores.