Strategy

Hoffman Estates, Ill. — Sears Holdings announced that Sam Solomon has joined the company as SVP and president of its tools business.  Solomon is responsible for developing and driving growth and profit opportunities for one of the company's cornerstone businesses, the company reported.  He was recently CEO and president of The Coleman Company Inc.  

NEW YORK  — Ann Inc., the parent company of Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft stores, reported that for the fiscal first quarter of 2011, earnings per diluted share were 51 cents, compared with earnings per diluted share of 38 cents in the first quarter of 2010.

VENLO, The Netherlands — Vistaprint N.V., a leading online provider of professional marketing products and services to micro businesses and the home, announced that Don LeBlanc will assume the role of chief marketing officer for Vistaprint's North American Business Unit. LeBlanc assumes the role vacated by Trynka Shineman, who was promoted to the position of president of Vistaprint's North American business unit earlier this year.

Cleveland, Ohio --Forest City Enterprises, Inc., announced the creation of a new leadership position to support the company’s growing presence in the Texas real estate market.  

Effective immediately, Brian Ratner has been promoted to president of Forest City Texas and will lead the company’s Texas operations from its regional office in Dallas.    

New York City -- Cushman & Wakefield announced that Matthew Winn has been appointed senior managing director, U.S. Retail Services Leader. He will be based in Cushman & Wakefield’s Atlanta office.

Previously, Winn served as managing director for Cushman & Wakefield’s retail consulting group. 

Indianapolis -- Simon Property Group Inc. announced that its Premium Outlets division has reached an agreement with the Gila River Indian Community's Wild Horse Pass Development Authority to develop Phoenix Premium Outlets, an upscale outlet shopping center serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale areas. 

Milford, Conn. -- Subway Restaurants said Friday that more than 2,000 franchisees are actively searching for locations slated for 2011 openings.

In order to reach its development goals, the chain said that a contingent of Subway representatives will be manning the brand’s booth at the International Council of Shopping Centers’ RECon convention, May 23 to 25, in Las Vegas.

Oakland, Calif. -- Cost Plus reported a narrower loss of $3.4 million for its first quarter, compared with a net loss of $10.3 million for the same period in 2010.

Revenue increased 6% to $199.7 million, from $188.6 million.