Corporate Governance

NEW YORK — Gilt, an online shopping website, has appointed Tracey Weber as chief operating officer, effective September 3. Weber joins Gilt from Citibank, where she was the managing director, North America Internet and mobile and global product.  

In her role as chief operating officer, Weber will have responsibility for many of Gilt's operations, including Gilt City, international, customer service and merchandise planning; she will also oversee several new strategic initiatives. Weber will report directly to CEO Michelle Peluso.

WASHINGTON — Retailers had sales gains in many back-to-school categories like clothing and sporting goods but experienced surprising declines in home-based categories, including building materials and furniture stores, according to the National Retail Federation. 

The world’s largest retail trade association found that July retail sales — excluding automobiles, gas stations and restaurants — increased 0.3% seasonally, adjusted from June and increased 5% unadjusted year-over-year.

NORTHRIDGE, Calif. — Pharmavite LLC, one of the largest U.S. manufacturers of vitamins, minerals and other dietary supplements, has appointed Timothy Toll as its new EVP of sales.

NEWARK, N.J. — Inergetics, a developer of nutraceuticals and nutritional supplements, introduced Martha Stewart at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Total Store Expo at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas Monday, August 12. 

Stewart was there to support the partnership between Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and Inergetics, Inc. as well as to promote the launch of Martha Stewart Essentials — a complete line of whole-food-based supplements created with Inergetics, specifically targeted for women.

Robert Howard is the newest partner in the Retail and Consumer Products Group at management consulting firm Kurt Salmon.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Kohl’s Department Stores has donated $2 million throughout a three-year period to the Milwaukee Art Museum to continue the Kohl’s Art Generation program, a youth art education initiative.

New York -- Activist investor Bill Ackman of Pershing Square Capital Management plans to abandon his push for a quick replacement to J. C. Penney CEO Mike Ullman, according to the New York Post. The report says that it now appears that Penney will proceed with a more deliberately paced search for a replacement for Myron Ullman, who assumed the role of interim CEO in April in the wake of Ron Johnson's firing.   

New York -- Brooks Brothers has named Vivien Kronengold as the company’s executive VP and chief marketing officer, a newly created position. The company also appointed Mauro Calderan as COO. Calderon previously served as senior VP, distribution and logistics.

The appointments come less than a week after Brooks Brothers president and COO Diane Ellis was named CEO at the Limited.

New York -- Nespresso announced the opening of its redesigned Boston flagship. The 2,400-sq.-ft. space is located in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood.

“We are thrilled to offer an enhanced premium coffee experience to Boston residents and visitors with our newly redesigned Boutique,” said Frederic Levy, president, Nespresso USA. “The Boutique will offer visitors a chance to connect with the brand in a uniquely sensorial way, and is exemplary of Nespresso's commitment to the highest-quality coffee, products, and customer service.”

New York -- Gap is celebrating its brand heritage with a fall global marketing campaign – Back to Blue – that is one of the broadest reaching in its history. The campaign spans outdoor, direct, social, in store, digital and also includes a return to television.