Strategy

Norwalk, Conn. -- A report released Wednesday by GE Capital found that the majority of retail CFOs are fairly optimistic about their industry, even though the outlook for the economy has soured.

According to the GE Capital Middle-Market CFO Survey, 58% of retail CFOs believe their revenues will increase in 2011. However, that has dropped from 80% in the first quarter. Less than half – 42% -- expect to increase capital expenditures, up from 38% in the first quarter.

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation has announced a $1 million contribution to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Grants of up to $50,000 will fund repairs and renovations at 23 clubs across the United States.

LCEF selected the clubs based on immediate facility improvement needs, the creativity of the projects and the potential impact on club members, Lowe's reported. Club staff will work to complete the projects in the next year and in many cases Lowe’s Heroes employee volunteers will provide hands-on help.

Washington, D.C. -- The International Council of Shopping Centers released a statement that it is in support of the Marketplace Equity Act, which was introduced to Congress on Wednesday.

NEW YORK — Uniqlo’s NYC flagship may at first seem out of place amongst its Fifth Avenue neighbors, including luxury brands Tiffany & Co., Bergdorf Goodman, Louis Vuitton and Prada, but the location signifies the brand’s “made for all” mantra and its appeal to customers of all income levels.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Tuesday named Jeffrey Kang and Mike Ellis to its pharmacy, health and wellness division.

Kang will join Walgreens Oct. 31 as SVP health and wellness services and solutions, reporting to both president and CEO Greg Wasson and president of pharmacy, health and wellness Kermit Crawford.

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

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.

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.

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.