Corporate Governance

CallisonRTKL is expanding the services it offers to retailers around the world.    The company is adding visual merchandising services to its current lineup of retail services, which include architecture, store planning and design, brand strategy and environmental graphic design.    “Visual Merchandising is more important than ever in the retail environment,” said Ignaz Gorischek, VP, CallisonRTKL, who will lead the visual merchandising team.     

Known for its technology innovation, Wayfair just made a big move.   The home furnishings pure play released its 3D model application program interface (API). This move gives developers access to more than 10,000 3D furniture and décor models available on the platform.   

New shopping center construction may be in a nationwide lull, but not in Tarrant County, Texas, where a developer is poised to break ground on a 90-acre parcel flanked by two other sizeable centers.   A partnership controlled by the De La Vega Group will begin building a mixed-use project called The Citadel across Interstate 35 from Alliance Town Center and adjoining the newly opened Presidio Town Center north of Fort Worth. Upon its completion, retail space will top 2 million sq. ft. in the submarket.  

Between a partnership with Sonos and its expansion into the boutique hotel business, it’s been a busy couple of weeks for West Elm. And with it all, the home furnishings retailer continues to grow its core business.   West Elm will open its third store in Nevada, in Downtown Summerline, on Oct. 6. As part of the retailer’s Local program, eight Nevada-based makers and designers will sell their products with the store’s holiday assortment of modern furnishings and décor.  

Gordon Brothers Group has a new name.   The 113 year-old, global advisory, restructuring, and investment firm said that all of its operating units will now be marketing under one name: Gordon Brothers.  

Ahold Delhaize on Wednesday announced that management board member James McCann had resigned to move into non-executive and advisory roles. The company has named Kevin Holt, Delhaize America CEO and Ahold Delhaize management board member, as his successor.   

VF. Corp., whose brands include The North Face, Timberland and Nautica, will have a new chief executive come January.   The company announced that president and COO Steven E. Rendle will become CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2017. Rendle, 57, will succeed Eric C. Wiseman, who will continue to serve as executive chairman and work with Rendle to ensure a successful transition.    Rendle has more than 30 years of experience in the specialty outdoor and action sports industry, 16 of which have been with VF.

Signet Jewelers Limited has closed its previously announced investment from Leonard Green & Partners.   The private equity firm invested $625 million in the form of convertible preferred shares. The Signet board, as previously disclosed, increased its authorized share buyback program by $625 million on August 25, 2016, in connection with the transaction.  

Advance Auto Parts has appointed Thomas (Tom) Okray as executive VP, CFO, effective Oct. 31, 2016.    In a previously announced succession plan, Okray will succeed Mike Norona, who will remain with Advance Auto in an advisory role until the end of the year.   

It is not easy for a 100-plus year-old retailer to reimagine its retail strategy, but J.C. Penney is doing just that.