Corporate Governance

Topeka, Kan. -- Collective Brands said Thursday that the U.S. Federal Trade Commission has granted early termination of the waiting periods under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act in connection with Collective’s impending $2 billion acquisition by Wolverine World Wide, Blum Capital Partners and Golden Gate Capital.

As announced on May 1, investment firms Blum Capital and Golden Gate will jointly acquire the operations of Payless ShoeSource and Collective Licensing International.

Indianapolis -- Simon Property Group said Thursday that 100% of its enclosed regional malls and Mills value properties now offer waste recycling to merchants.

"The fact that every one of our enclosed properties is now recycling cardboard is an accomplishment that makes us proud," said George Caraghiaur, senior VP energy and procurement at SPG, who coordinates the company's sustainability efforts. Caraghiaur also noted that pilot programs are underway for plastic film recycling and composting of food waste.

Canton, Mass. -- Casual Male Retail Group said Thursday that it has named Derrick Walker as senior VP and chief marketing officer.

Walker was previously VP marketing for Lenscrafters. He has also served as VP marketing for Finish Line and as director of marketing for RadioShack.
 

Dallas -- Tuesday Morning Corp. said Wednesday it has ousted CEO Kathleen Mason and will launch a search for a new chief executive.

Mason was named president and CEO in 2000 and has come under fire as the closeout retailer has suffered slowing sales and widening losses.

Tuesday Morning also announced that executive VP and COO Michael Marchetti has been promoted to president and COO and will service as interim CEO until a successor for Mason is found.

Houston -- The Men’s Wearhouse reported Wednesday that net income for the first quarter dipped 2% to $26.9 million, dragged down by negative same-store sales at its K&G off-price unit. Its results missed expectations.

Revenue rose 1% to $586.6 million, missing Wall Street’s forecasted $593.7 million in revenue.

Cleveland -- American Greetings said Thursday it has acquired 400 Clinton Card stores, a U.K.-based chain that was one of American Greeting’s biggest customers.

The struggling retailer had about 750 stores in the United Kingdom before being placed under administration last month. About 350 stores were closed and the remaining 400 will stay under administration, said American Greetings, and the other assets will be liquidated to pay off creditors.
 

Minneapolis -- Best Buy Co. said Thursday that its founder and chairman Richard Schulze is resigning from his position on the board, one he has held for more than 40 years.

Fort Worth, Texas -- A Thursday report by Reuters said that RadioShack will take a 49% stake in a joint venture with Cybermart to open small-format, RadioShack-branded stores in greater China.

Cybermart, an affiliate of Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., and RadioShack will open their first location in Shanghai in July. Additional locations are planned for mainland China, as well as Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau.

Vancouver, BC, Canada -- Lululemon Athletic Inc. reported Thursday that profit for the fiscal first quarter surged 40% to $46.4 million, compared with $33.4 million last year, but lowered second quarter and full-year forecasts have alarmed investors.

Revenue for the quarter surged 53% to $285.7 million, beating Wall Street’s expected $274 million, and same-store sales rose 25%. Online sales nearly tripled in the quarter.

Seattle -- Tommy Bahama Group said Wednesday that Joel Gardner has been promoted to senior VP retail, and Bornie Del Priore has been named VP of Tommy Bahama Footwear, a new division for the company.

Gardner has been with Tommy Bahama since 2006, most recently as VP retail planning and merchandising. Before joining Tommy Bahama, he was VP retail at The Orvis Co.

Del Priore has spent the last four years at Tommy Hilfiger USA, most recently as executive VP accessories. She also spent 15 years at Ralph Lauren Footwear.