Strategy

Wayne, N.J. -- Toys “R” Us has named Richard Barry as  senior VP, chief merchandising officer, Toys“R”Us, U.S.  In his new role, Barry is responsible for all aspects of merchandising initiatives for the company’s U.S. operations.

Prior to the promotion, Barry served as VP, general merchandising manager for Toys“R”Us, U.S., overseeing the learning and electronics and entertainment product categories.

New York -- H. E. Butt Grocery Co. plans to spend about $100 million to expand, remodel and relocate several of its stores in Austin, Texas, during 2012, the  Austin American-Statesman reported. The move is part of a larger, statewide expansion and price-cutting campaign. 

New York -- The NPD Group, Port Washington, N.Y., has signed an agreement with Wal-Mart Stores to receive and analyze its U.S. point-of-sale data.

 Under the terms of the agreement, NPD will receive sales data from Walmart U.S. stores and the retailer’s Web site. The deal covers a broad range of general merchandise categories, but does not include beauty. 

Beachwood, Ohio -- Shopping center owner and manager DDR Corp. announced Monday the launch of FranchiseConnect, a new online platform connecting shopping centers, franchise opportunities and entrepreneurs.

FranchiseConnect is DDR's latest program designed to provide business opportunities to aspirational entrepreneurs. DDR recently launched Set Up Shop, a program offering flexible terms at specific locations for entrepreneurs and expanding small businesses.

New York — J.C. Penney Co. on Friday said it fully backs its partnership with the popular television star and comedian Ellen DeGeneres. Its support comes after One Million Moms, an extension of the conservative American Family Association group, asked the retailer to dump DeGeneres as a spokeswoman because she is a lesbian.

Chain Store Age’s 48th annual SPECS Conference will be held March 4-7, at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Fla. The industry’s premier retail store development and facilities event, SPECS combines a targeted and comprehensive educational program with a dynamic exhibit floor.

For more information and to register for the event, click here.

Join the SPECS group on Linkedin.

Sandpoint, Idaho -- Coldwater Creek Inc. has promoted Jim Bell to the newly created position of executive VP and COO. He will oversee the retailer's information technology systems, real estate, distribution and logistics, planning and allocation, and finance.

Bell is currently the company's chief financial officer, and will continue to fill that role in his new job, the company said Thursday.
 

Deerfield, Ill. -- Walgreens said its same-store sales in January fell 4.6% in the wake of its decision to stop doing business with a major  pharmacy benefits manager. A weak flu season also figured into its results.

Walgreen stopped filling prescriptions for patients in the Express Scripts network on December 31, 2011. Pharmacy same-store sales were down 7.9% in January.