Strategy

Suffern, N.Y. -- Ascena Retail Group, parent to the Lane Bryant, Maurices and Dressbarn banners among others, said Monday it has named Erin Stern EVP and chief merchandising officer of its Maurices brand, effective April 15.

Stern spent the majority of her career at Gap in the Old Navy division, and also served as chief merchant for Juicy Couture and president of Bebe Sport.

Fort Worth, Texas -- Cypress Equities, the developers of West 7th in Fort Worth, Texas, announced that Kona Grill will open a new restaurant location within the mixed-use development later this year.

The new 7,500-sq.-ft. restaurant marks Kona Grill’s fifth Texas location and second in the DFW metroplex.

Bergen, N.J. -- Vitamin Shoppe said Monday it has opened its first international franchised Vitamin Shoppe store, located in Panama City. The store, which opened March 4, is owned and operated by franchisee Reprico.

"We're excited to partner with Reprico and bring the Vitamin Shoppe to Panama," said Musab Balbale, director of new business for the Vitamin Shoppe. "Our focus on delighting the customer with knowledge and great service will make us a trusted source for our customers in Panama."

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Kmart has launched its 30th annual fundraising campaign to benefit the March of Dimes. Donors can contribute in-store at any Kmart and online via a link at kmart.com/marchofdimes. M

NEW YORK — Barnes & Noble announced that it will soon offer in-app purchaising via its Nook products through a partnership with industry-leading mobile payment provider Fortumo. App and game developers will be able to sell premium digital content in their products seamlessly and safely to millions of Nook customers through the Nook store (www.nook.com). 

New York -- Howard Schultz, founder and CEO of Starbucks Coffee Company, has never been one to shy away from taking a stand. Last week, at the chain’s annual meeting of shareholders in Seattle, one shareholder questioned Schultz over the company’s support of same-sex marriage, including the same-sex marriage referendum in the state of Washington.

CHICAGO — The Network of Executive Women has unveiled its "2012 Annual Report," which features the personal stories of 10 network members, who explain how their engagement with NEW changed their companies, careers and lives.

Among those featured are Kim Tisdale, manager of expense payables at Wal-Mart Stores, and Chris Albi, VP merchandising at Kroger.

Additional highlights within the report include:

As part of a multi-phase revitalization of The Wilder Cos.’ Wayside property in Burlington, Mass., the company announced that Ethan Allen and Starbucks, along with Potbelly Sandwich Shop, will open in high-visibility locations.