Corporate Governance

SEATTLE — A Tuesday report by the Seattle Times said that Eddie Bauer chief Neil Fiske, who joined the retailer in 2007 and led it through bankruptcy, will leave his post effective March 2.

The company has not given a reason for Fiske’s sudden departure. David Chamberlain, executive chairman, will serve as interim CEO until a permanent replacement is named. Fiske will remain with the company as a consultant to ensure a smooth transition.

TORONTO — Canadians who need an extra jolt to get through shopping at Target will get some help via Starbucks. Target Canada and Starbucks Coffee Canada have agreed to open Starbucks licensed stores inside most of the 125 to 135 stores that Target plans to open in the region.

Wilsonart International, a maker of laminate flooring, countertops and sinks, has named Kristen Manos as its new president. She replaces Bill Gaetano, who announced his retirement late last year. DiGaetano has been president of Wilsonart since 2005 and is a 33-year veteran of the Temple, Texas, company. 

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway is launching a first-of-its kind competition that could land one chef with a job with the Safeway Culinary Kitchens and his or recipe included in the Open Nature Skillet Meal line. The competition will culminate in a final cook-off at the Safeway Culinary Kitchens in Pleasanton, Calif., where chefs will cook their original, delicious and nutritious skillet meals.

Washington, D.C. -- The monthly Global Port Tracker report, released Wednesday by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates, said that import cargo volume at the nation’s major retail container ports is expected to be down 6.8% in February from the same month a year ago. However, volumes should show year-over-year increases through most of the remaining first half of 2012.

Chicago -- A survey released Wednesday by WorkInRetail.com found that 45% of retail hiring managers are concerned that their top workers will leave the organization in 2012.

WorkInRetail.com, CareerBuilder’s job site for retail professionals, polled 247 retail hiring managers and 654 full-time retail employees in November and December 2011. The survey was conducted by Harris Interactive.

Plantation, Fla. -- Multichannel retailer Dreams, which focuses on the licensed sports products industry, said Wednesday that it has partnered with Hibbett Sports to become its exclusive online provider for team merchandise in the licensed sports category.

Hibbett’s new online platform is stadiumshop.hibbett.com and represents the bricks-and-mortar sporting goods retailer’s first entrance into e-commerce.

Cary, N.C. -- C-store chain The Pantry announced Wednesday that it has appointed Dennis G. Hatchell as president and CEO, effective March 5.

Hatchell succeeds Edwin Holman who served as interim CEO since Terrance Marks resigned as CEO effective in October 2011.

Hatchell previously served as vice chairman of Alex Lee, a holding company for Lowe’s Food Stores, Merchants Distributors and Institution Food House.

Toronto -- Target Canada Co. and Starbucks Coffee Canada announced Wednesday an agreement that will put Starbucks licensed stores inside most of the 125 to 135 stores that Target plans to open in the region.

"Our goal is to bring the true Target brand shopping experience to our Canadian guests, so expanding our relationship with Starbucks as we enter the Canadian marketplace is a natural fit," said John Morioka, senior VP merchandising, Target Canada. There are currently 1,097 Starbucks locations within Target stores in the United States.

New Albany, Ohio -- Margin squeezes and flagging same-store sales hurt Abercrombie & Fitch Co.’s fourth quarter profit dropped nearly 80% drop, to $19.6 million from $92.6 million a year earlier, amid margin squeezes and flat same-store sales.