Corporate Governance

Destination XL Group has named Peter H. Stratton Jr. as SVP, CFO and treasurer, effective June 1. Stratton replaces John E. Kyees, who was serving as interim CFO, and will report to president and CEO David Levin.

Stratton has been serving as the company’s SVP of finance, corporate controller and chief accounting officer since Sept. 2009. He joined the company in June of the same year as VP of finance.

Hamilton, Bermuda -- It’s official: Signet Jewelers Ltd. has completed its acquisition of Zale Corporation for $21 per share in cash and a total consideration of $1.46 billion. Zale shareholders approved the acquisition by its longtime rival on May 29.

With the deal completed, Signet now operates over 3,600 locations under the retail banners of Kay, Jared, and Zales in the United States; H.Samuel and Ernest Jones in the United Kingdom; and People's in Canada. Signet also now operates kiosks in the United States under the Piercing Pagoda banner.

New York -- Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores named Jim Wright as senior VP of marketing and advertising, and Megan Featherston as senior VP of merchandising.

Wright has served in multiple marketing leadership roles at national retail brands. He was most recently senior VP of marketing at Express where he was responsible for their brick-and-mortar and e-commerce advertising and marketing strategies.

Nashville, Tenn. — Opry Mills, the largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in Tennessee, has expanded its staff with the addition of three new professions. Natalie Smailis has been named marketing/tourism coordinator. Jamie Phillips will serve as guest services manager. Billy Patton will step into the role of director of operations.

Speedo USA has expanded its relationship with Sports Authority and is launching a Speedo Aquatic Zone “shop-within-a-shop” retail concept at four Sports Authority locations.

Cincinnati -- Macy’s announced an agreement for Macy’s to anchor the new Ka Makana Ali‘i in Kapolei in West O‘ahu, Hawaii. Current plans call for the 103,000-sq.-ft., one-level store to open in mid-2016.

New Albany, Ohio – Abercrombie & Fitch Co. reported a net loss of $23.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2014, up from $7.2 million in the year-ago period, but less than analysts had expected. Restructuring charges associated with the closure of Abercrombie’s Gilly Hicks stand-alone stores, as well as the impact of heavy discounting on profit margins, helped drive the retailer’s net loss growth. The chain backed its full-year forecast as demand in its female business improved and sales fell less than expected for the first time in six quarters.

A new cash rewards program rolling out nationwide at Sam’s Club June 12 is the latest enticement to encourage members to opt for the retailer’s $100 Plus membership level.

Plus members will automatically be enrolled in the program on June 12 and receive $10 in cash rewards for every $500 spent with the potential to receive an annual maximum payout of $500. The rewards load automatically onto membership cards and are restricted to use at Sam’s Club 635 locations or online.