Corporate Governance

St. Louis -- Build-A-Bear Workshop said Monday that it will open 20 to 25 stores in 2013, all under the newly introduced store design.

The retailer opened six stores under the new design in fall 2012, and said the success of the stores prompted an escalated rollout.

The first three stores to open in 2013 are at the Mall of Georgia in Atlanta on April 26; at Orland Square in Chicago on May 3; and at Northshore Mall in Peabody, Mass. on May 10.

San Bernardino, Calif. -- Stater Bros. Markets said Tuesday it has named that Peter Van Helden as president and COO, succeeding the retiring Jim Lee.

Van Helden was previously EVP retail operations for Supervalu.
 

Softer than expected sales trends prompted Target to lower its first quarter earnings outlook Tuesday morning.

The company said it now expects first quarter comps to be flat, after previously forecasting a range of flat to 2% growth. The softer than expected sales prompted the company to revise first quarter adjusted profit expectations to an unspecified level of "slightly below" earlier guidance of $1.10 to $1.20.

PERRYVILLE, Md. — Ikea has plugged-in the solar energy system installed at its distribution center in Perryville, Md. 

HUDSON, Ohio — Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores has added The Ohio State University to its assortment of exclusively licensed collegiate fabrics.

“We are thrilled to offer fans of The Ohio State University this exclusive-to-Jo-Ann line of fleece and cotton fabrics,” said Susan Starcher, buyer of fleece, warm and licensed fabric for Jo-Ann. “Our customers love to show their school spirit, and no other retailer offers a more diverse selection of college and university fabrics than Jo-Ann.”

True Value president and CEO Lyle Heidemann plans to retire May 31.

John Hartmann has been appointed as the company’s new president and CEO, following the retirement of Heidemann. Heidemann will continue to serve True Value through the end of 2013 as an adviser.

LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix has elected Beall’s CEO Steve Knopik to its board of directors.

“We are pleased to have Steve join the Publix board,” said Publix chairman of the board Charlie Jenkins Jr. “His strong retail and financial background and commitment to the community will make him a strong addition to our board.”

SAN FRANCISCO — Bed, Bath & Beyond will test the fitness waters in April and offer Fitmark bags at select California locations to see how well the high-end travel bags fare with customers. 

Bed, Bath & Beyond customers can find the bags in an entirely new category for the store, aimed at fitness enthusiasts.

L’Oréal USA has named former Estée Lauder executive Angela Bennett as VP of La Roche-Posay. 

Bennett will be charged with expanding the global skincare brand’s national retail distribution with a focus on suncare and acne consumers as well as digital programs while increasing La Roche-Posay’s support of its partnering dermatologists and retailers. 

Assurant Solutions, a leading provider of extended protection programs and services, has appointed Jeff Unterreiner as SVP of its extended protection solutions business. 

Unterreiner now has overall management responsibilities for the company’s extended service contract and vehicle service contract business.