Corporate Governance

Former NRF exec joins Aptos as retail strategist
Aptos has tapped an industry veteran to assist retailers on their transformation journeys. The retail technology solution provider has named Vicki Cantrell as its retail transformation officer. In this newly created position, she will oversee Aptos functions for business consulting and strategy, value engineering, and strategic account management. Cantrell will also leverage her retail background to advise and support Aptos customers as they reinvent their businesses for omnichannel growth, profitability and customer loyalty.
Former execs from GameStop, L Brands join Tailored Brands
Two experienced retail executives have joined the management team of the parent company of such brands as Men's Wearhouse and Jos.A. Bank.

Value retailer posts strong Q2 sales

99 Cents Only Stores reduced its loss in the second quarter amid increased operational efficiencies and surging sales. The retailer reported a net loss of $33.6 million for the quarter ended July 28, compared to net loss of $35.1 million in the year-ago period. Net sales increased 8.9% to $540.5 million.
CVS Pharmacy to launch customized health-and-wellness vending machines

CVS Pharmacy is rolling out a convenient way for consumers on the go to easily buy necessities. The drugstore chain on Thursday introduced automated vending machines that will be located in travel hubs and other places and contain such items as over-the-counter health products, better-for-you snacks and popular personal care products. The machines will also be used to showcase products from the company’s exclusive store brands while meeting customers at well-trafficked areas.
Largest U.S. hockey retailer launches store rebranding

Pure Hockey is converting its various store banners to its namesake brand. The company, which owns the Pure Hockey, Total Hockey, and HockeyGiant brands, will begin rebranding all of its retail stores as Pure Hockey. Pure Hockey acquired HockeyGiant in September 2015 and acquired Total Hockey in August 2016, giving the company a total of 53 retail locations across the United States, along with four e-commerce sites specializing in hockey, goalie, and lacrosse equipment.
Destination Maternity CEO out; Q2 sales slide

Destination Maternity is looking for a new chief executive. The struggling maternity apparel retailer said that Anthony M. Romano is stepping down as president, CEO and board member as part of a mutual agreement, effective Sept. 7. Romano has served in the role since 2014, and, prior to that, was president and CEO of Charming Shoppes. His departure follows the recent termination of an agreement for Destination Maternity to be acquired by France's Orchestra-Prémaman.
Report: The cities that line up with Amazon's headquarters criteria are...

It didn't take long for cities across North America to throw their hat in the ring when Amazon announced it had initiated a search for a city in which to build a second headquarters. In seeking proposals, Amazon laid out some very definite criteria, including population requirements (one million or more). CNBC examined the criteria and suggested that five cities are worthy of a close look by Amazon: New York, Atlanta, Chicago, San Francisco and Boston.
Williams-Sonoma going on hiring spree

Williams-Sonoma is looking for a few good people — somewhere in the vicinity of 4,000 to be more exact. The company will hold its first-ever National Hiring Day, on Thursday, Sept. 14, from 2 p.m. - 7 p.m. local time. The event will be held at all Williams-Sonoma branded stores across the U.S. and Canada.
Starbucks taps former Sam's Club CEO as No.2 executive

Starbucks Corp. has named a former Walmart executive as its next COO. The coffee giant appointed Rosalind Brewer as group president and COO, effective Oct. 2. She is the first woman, and first African American, to hold such a high post at Starbucks.
Gap Inc. shifting focus—and store footprint—to two brands

Gap Inc. is shifting its emphasis to its two best-performing brands — and realigning its store portfolio to reflect its new emphasis.
Home Depot adds ‘voice-activated’ shopping to the mix

The nation's largest home improvement retailer is getting in on the voice shopping game. Home Depot is joining Google Express this fall, a move that will give its customers the ability to shop just by speaking their orders. Google Assistant, the search giant's online shopping platform, resides on Google’s smart speaker Google Home and other smart devices.
Kohl's to partner with e-commerce giant on in-store shops

Yet another traditional retailer is partnering with Amazon, as the online behemoth continues to expand its presence in brick-and- mortar stores. Kohl's plans to add an Amazon "smart home experience' in-store shop, or "zone," in 10 select Kohl’s locations across the Los Angeles and Chicago areas starting in October. The spaces will allow shoppers to try out and purchase Amazon devices, accessories and smart home devices and services directly from the online retailer.