Strategy

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- An Associated Press report on Tuesday said that Hoffman Estates, Ill., trustees have passed a resolution asking the state of Illinois to try and keep the Sears Holdings Corp. headquarters located in Hoffman Estates.

Sears has said it is in discussions with two prospective destinations for its corporate headquarters, but is still talking to Illinois about staying put.

Hoffman Estates’ mayor William McLeod has said it would "devastating" if Sears moved its headquarters to another locale.

Stamford, Conn. -- Spa operator Red Door Spas said Tuesday it has named Jeff Kohl as its senior VP and COO. Kohl is charged with directing all Red Door Spa operations globally, including strategic partnership development and management of the company's 31 full-service spa and salon properties and 1,500+ spa associates.

He will report to Todd Walter, CEO of Red Door Spa Holdings.

Kohl was previously director of global hospitality sales for Precor.
 

New York City -- Former American Apparel CFO Adrian Kowalewski resigned as executive VP corporate strategy, according to a regulatory filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission this morning, Women’s Wear Daily reported.

Kowalewski entered into a separation agreement, in which he will receive an unpaid base salary through the Oct. 7 separation date, any unreimbursed expenses and vesting of the 1,066,666 unvested shares of restricted stock previously awarded to him, the report said.
 

New York City -- Gov. Jerry Brown of California vetoed a bill that would have required comprehensive economic-impact reports before big-box superstores could begin construction.

The bill, the Small and Neighborhood Business Protection Act, would have required supercenters to address more than a dozen possible economic side-effects, including job losses if competitors faltered.

New York City -- The National Retail Federation has announced that President Bill Clinton will deliver the keynote address at the NRF’s 101st Annual Convention in New York City.

Clinton, who will speak on "Embracing our Common Humanity,” will deliver his address on Jan 16, 11 a.m. 12 p.m.

New York City -- Apparel manufacturer and retailer The Jones Group confirmed Tuesday that it is in discussions to divest its jeanswear division for between $350 million to $400 million.

The potential buyer is Israeli clothing maker Delta Galil Industries.

Jones Group, whose brands include Anne Klein and Nine West, said talks should conclude within a month, but cautioned that no deal has been reached. If the two were to reach a deal, Jones said it would use net proceeds for share repurchases.

Boca Raton, Fla. -- Office Depot said Tuesday that three of its stores hold the top spots for retail energy efficiency gains at the midpoint of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star National Building Competition.

Hudson, Ohio -- Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores said Monday it will increase its work force by more than 15% for the holiday season.

Tom Williams, senior VP human resources for Jo-Ann, announced the company has begun the seasonal recruiting process and will hire more than 3,000 additional employees before the holidays.

The company attributes the seasonal hiring to anticipation of increased traffic in stores through the holiday season.
 

Deerfield, Ill. -- Walgreen Co. said Tuesday it has added two executives to its pharmacy, health and wellness division.

Dr. Jeffrey Kang will join the company on Oct. 31 as senior VP health and wellness services and solutions.

In addition, Mike Ellis has joined Walgreens as VP specialty pharmacy and infusion.

Most recently, Kang was chief medical officer at CIGNA. Ellis has served as senior VP specialty trade relations and contracting and pharmaceutical services for CVS Caremark.

Commerce, Calif. -- Discounter 99 Cents Only Stores said Tuesday it has agreed to be acquired by a group of investors including its founding family, Ares Management and Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board for $1.6 billion in cash.

The announcement ends a months-long sales process, which started with a takeover offer from Leonard Green & Partners in March.