Corporate Governance

Sam's Club SCOREs a partnership to benefit small businesses
Sam's Club is teaming up with a national nonprofit dedicated to mentoring small business owners to launch the 2016 American Small Business Championship.

The SCORE competition is open to small business owners and entrepreneurs from coast to coast with one winner receiving a $25,000 grand prize.
J.C. Penney taps former Home Depot vet to head up stores
J.C. Penney Company appointed Joe McFarland as executive VP of stores, effective immediately, succeeding Tony Bartlett.

McFarland, similar to J.C. Penney CEO Marvin Ellison, is a Home Depot veteran. He worked at the home improvement giant for over 20 years, most recently as president of its Northern and Western Divisions, where he was responsible for the sales and operations of up to 800 stores in 24 states. McFarland began his career at the chain as a sales associate.

Ascena Retail Group appoints a new SVP

Ascena Retail Group has a new senior vice president to lead the company through its next phase of growth.

The company announced that Duane Holloway has been named Senior Vice President and General Counsel, effective immediately. Holloway will serve on the company’s leadership team and report to David Jaffe, President and CEO. He will be responsible for overseeing all legal matters for the Company.
Former Walgreens merchandising guru joins Massage Envy

Massage Envy on Monday named Joseph Magnacca CEO. Former CEO Dave Crisalli will continue to serve the business as a member of its board.
Chico’s sells Boston Proper

Chico’s FAS has sold its Boston Proper women’s apparel business to a Los Angeles-based, consumer-focused private equity firm.

Brentwood Associates, whose portfolio includes J. McLaughlin and Soft Surroundings, announced Tuesday it has acquired the women’s apparel brand. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Dillard's cookbook nets more than $850K for RMHC

Dillard’s Inc. is giving more than $850,000 to local Chapters of Ronald McDonald House Charities after selling its exclusive Southern Living Christmas Cookbook.

For the eighth time, Dillard’s offered a special custom edition of the Southern Living Christmas Cookbook to benefit RMHC. This exclusive, 288-page hardbound cookbook is filled with fabulous holiday recipes, color photos, menus, decorating tips and entertaining ideas.
First Amazon Dash devices to go live

Amazon has rolled out the first devices available with Amazon Dash Replenishment.
Aaron's announces new senior leadership

Aaron's has assembled a new senior leadership team to position the company for growth and success.

The company, led by CEO John W. Robinson, announced the following changes on Tuesday:

• Gilbert L. Danielson will step down as CFO. Until his retirement at the end of 2016, Danielson will remain executive VP, serving as a senior advisor to the leadership team and managing certain strategic projects.
Ascena Retail Group appoints a new senior VP

Ascena Retail Group has a new senior VP to lead the company through its next phase of growth.

The company announced that Duane Holloway has been named senior VP and general counsel, effective immediately. Holloway will serve on the company’s leadership team and report to David Jaffe, president and CEO. He will be responsible for overseeing all legal matters for the Company.
Lackluster holiday sales prompt Tiffany to cut outlook, staff

Tiffany & Co. says weak tourist spending and a strong dollar hurt its sales results for the two-month holiday period.

The retailer said worldwide net sales declined 3% (due to declines in the Americas and Asia-Pacific offsetting growth in Japan and Europe) and same store sales declined 5%. There were no noteworthy differences in performance among jewelry categories, the company said. Reported in U.S. dollars, worldwide net sales of $961 million were 6% lower than the prior year.
Former RadioShack CEO, Walgreens exec to lead Massage Envy

Massage Envy, a subscription-based massage and skincare services provider, on Monday named Joseph Magnacca as CEO, succeeding Dave Crisalli who will continue to serve the business as a member of its board.

Magnacca most recently served as CEO of RadioShack. Prior to that he was executive VP and president of Daily Living Products and Solutions for Walgreen Co., where he oversaw all of Walgreen's marketing and merchandising operations across more than 8,000 stores.
Sam's Club to now accept Visa cards

Sam’s Club has entered into an agreement with Visa to begin accepting Visa credit cards starting Feb. 1.

“Everything we do is in an effort to better serve our members and extend the value of membership. By accepting Visa credit cards, we are giving our members more ways to shop that are convenient for them,” says Tracey Brown, chief member officer at Sam’s Club.