Corporate Governance

Greensboro, N.C. -- The Fresh Market Inc. grew net income, same-store sales and net sales during first quarter 2013. Net income rose 14% to $22.1 million, from $19.3 million in the prior year.

Net sales jumped 13% to $366.6 million.

New York -- Wal-Mart Stores pleaded guilty in federal court in San Francisco to improperly handling and disposing of hazardous waste in California and Missouri, and agreed to pay about $82 million in fines. The settlement brings to a close an environmental investigation that lasted some eight years.

New York -- Nickelodeon has opened a 'Nick Shop' on the first level of the Toys "R" Us flagship in New York City’s Times Square.

New York -- Foot Locker Inc. has appointed Paulette Alvitti as senior VP and chief human resources officer. Alvitti will begin her new role on June 3 and oversee the development and delivery of global human resources, including compensation and benefits, organization and executive development/succession planning, employee engagement, talent management, human resources management systems, and corporate communications. She comes to Foot Locker from PepsiCo, where she spent 17 years, most recently serving as senior VP and chief human resources officer at PepsiCo Asia, Middle East and Africa.

NEW YORK — Foot Locker has appointed former PepsiCo human resources executive Paulette Alviti as the company’s SVP and chief human resources officer. 

Alviti has an extensive background in human resources, both domestically and internationally, with experience in organizational capability and training, talent acquisition and development, employee engagement and communications for the corporate office and field organization.

St. Louis -- Brown Shoe Company Inc. reported a net loss and declining net sales in first quarter 2013 as the company cited the impact of having exited some businesses in the past year.

The retailer experienced a net loss of $10.8 million, compared to net earnings of $1.7 million a year earlier. Net sales declined about 1% to $588.7 million from $598.2 million.

Norwalk, Conn. -- GE Capital announced it is administrative agent on a $550 million senior secured credit facility for Lord & Taylor, a leading North American retailer. The proceeds will be used to refinance debt, support ongoing working capital needs and for other corporate purposes.  

GE Capital also provided the company with interest rate risk management products and services.  GE Capital Markets served as joint lead arranger and book runner.
 

FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif. — The Wet Seal’s CEO focused on the positive following the company’s first quarter results for the period ended May 4.