Strategy

Seattle -- Callison announced today that John Jastrem has been appointed as chairman and CEO of Callison. He replaces James P. Rothwell, who is stepping down as CEO and returning to his previous role as principal in the firm running its commercial design practice. Callison’s chairman Robert J. Tindall, is leaving the firm.

Jastrem has served on Callison’s Holdings board (Callison Architecture Holding, LLC and Subsidiaries) since 2006 and as its executive chairman since August 2010.

New York City -- An overwhelming majority (86%) of small-business respondents (86%) say that keeping their customer card information secure and feel payment-card data security is important to their business. But 60% are unaware of the costs they could incur in the event of a breach. Those are among the results of a research study of data security and fraud-prevention strategies practiced at small- to mid-sized retailers. The study is from the National Retail Federation and First Data Corp.

The Dec. 23 edition of SiteTalk referenced a recent survey, which found that driving responsible growth, in addition to protecting and building the brand, is a chief priority for retailers in 2011. We asked you, our readers, if that priority was consistent with your 2011 objectives. Here is what one reader had to say.

PLANO, Texas - JCPenney announced that, for the third consecutive year, it was ranked number one among department store retailers in the Customers' Choice survey released by the NRF Foundation and American Express.

NEW YORK -Tiffany & Co. announced that James Quinn will retire in early 2012. Quinn joined Tiffany in 1986 and has served as president since 2003, responsible for the company’s sales outside the Americas.

ATLANTA - The Home Depot announced that Aaron Carmack has been promoted to president, The Home Depot Canada, effective Jan. 31.  Carmack, the current regional VP of the Pac North region in the U.S., is replacing Annette Verschuren, who is leaving the company after nearly 15 years of service.

Pasadena, Calif. -- Disney Store will open more than 25 new and remodeled locations around the globe in 2011. The stores will feature the company’s updated store design, which features an array of interactive and immersive experiences. The company ultimately plans to transform all its 350+ locations to the new concept.

“Guests told us that we brought the magic back to Disney Store with the launch of our new design, and they responded by staying in the stores longer and purchasing more,” said Jim Fielding, president, Disney Stores Worldwide.

El Segundo, Calif. -- Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market on Wednesday said it will open its first stores in Northern California in March and April, with the first two scheduled to open March 2 in San Jose and Danville. Nine additional locations are scheduled to open in the area within the two-month time frame.

Fresh & Easy also said it also plans to open two stores in San Francisco early this year.

New York City -- Supervalu reported a loss for its third quarter, dragged down by falling revenue and asset values, tighter margins and the cost of closing some stores. The grocer cut its full-year outlook based on the poor performance.

Supervalu, which operates Alberstons, Jewel-Osco and other supermarket chains, reported a loss of $202 million for the quarter, compared with net income of $109 million in the same quarter last year.

New York City -- The Home Depot promoted Aaron Carmack to president of The Home Depot Canada.

Carmack, currently regional VP of the Pac North region in the United States, on Jan. 31 replaces Annette Verschuren, who is leaving the home-improvement retailer after nearly 15 years.

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