Strategy

Bensalem, Pa. -- Charming Shoppes Inc. recorded a wider-than-expected loss for its fourth quarter as higher product costs and discounts at its Lane Bryant division cut into margins. The chain said plans to close between 90 to 105 underperforming stores this year.

Charming Shoppes, which hired Barclays Capital in December to help it review its options, posted a loss of $13.2 million for the three months ended January 28, 2012, compared with a loss of $30.4 million a year ago.

BENSALEM, Pa. — Charming Shoppes has announced that Jeffrey Liss has been promoted to SVP general manager of Charming Direct, the company's direct-to-consumer business.

PASADENA, Calif. — On March 28, Disney Store will celebrate its 25th anniversary by giving the first 250 guests at each location silver commemorative Mickey Mouse ears. In addition, Disney Store will host a variety of family fun activities throughout the day, including Disney trivia, games, a dance party and more. As an added bonus, guests will receive 25% off purchases made in store and online at DisneyStore.com for the entire day.

DALLAS — Former Sears chief marketing officer, Monica Woo, has joined Mozido, a leading global provider of low-cost, multi-channel financial services platform for mobile network operators, financial institutions, consumer packaged goods corporations and retailers, as EVP, global chief marketing and strategy officer. 

In this capacity, Woo will be responsible for Mozido's overall brand strategy, communications, and customer experience across channels, as well as key business-building initiatives.

Boca Raton, Fla. -- Office Depot Inc. will open 13 newly remodeled locations in the Houston area on March 28.

The updates stores feature more colorful signage and easy-to-navigate floor plans. The stores were redesigned based on customer feedback and shopping patterns.

Office Depot operates 1,677 stores in 60 countries, 46 of which are located in the Houston area.

San Francisco -- McKesson on Monday announced that it has completed the previously announced acquisition of the independent banner and franchise businesses of Katz Group Canada in an all-cash transaction that closed March 25.

New York – The fast-growing Francesca’s Holdings Corp. plans to open 76 stores in 2012.

The Houston-based women’s apparel and accessories retailer, which targets young women, has opened 21 new stores so far in 2012, with plans to open 55 additional locations by year-end.

Currently, Francesca’s operates 304 locations nationwide.

By Seth Broman, [email protected]

Despite news of a slowly recovering economy, small businesses are still being overwhelmingly turned down for bank loans. Tight credit restrictions and high loan eligibility requirements are leaving retailers with a lack of access to credit, stunting their ability to prosper and contribute to economic growth.

Bensalem, Pa. -- Charming Shoppes announced that Jeffrey H. Liss has been promoted to senior VP - general manager of Charming Direct, the company's direct-to-consumer business.

Liss, who previously served as senior VP and COO of Charming Direct, will have full responsibility for Charming Shoppes’ direct-to-consumer and e-commerce businesses, including the company's retail brands' related e-commerce businesses and Figi's, its food and gift business.
 

Stamford, Conn. -- GE Capital Retail Bank has announced a multi-year renewal to continue providing financing for customers of Discount Tire, the nation’s leading independent tire retailer. GE Capital’s Retail Finance business, the operating entity that provides financial solutions to retailers and dealers to help grow their customer sales, will continue to manage the Discount Tire relationship and service the account.