Kohl's, Inc.

Menomonee Falls, Wis. — Kohl’s Department Stores had a tough third quarter that included a 20% drop in profits, but the retailer reportedly sees its loyalty program and mobile wallet as important competitive assets. According to the Wall Street Journal, a 300-store pilot program of the new Kohl’s loyalty program garnered 10 million enrollees, and another 10 million shoppers have joined since the program went nationwide in October.  

Never underestimate the creativity of unscrupulous customers is the key takeaway for all retailers following Walmart’s effort to implement a liberal price match policy this week.

Toronto — Hudson’s Bay Company announced the appointment of Jon K. Nordeen to the position of CIO, effective November 2014.
  Nordeen joins HBC with more than 25 years of information systems and management experience. Most recently, he served at Kohl’s Department Stores in several roles including executive VP merchandise planning, executive VP administration, and executive VP CIO.
 

A Toys“R”Us executive will take over the top post at Brookstone, the product development company and specialty retailer that emerged from bankruptcy this year after being bought by a group of Chinese investors.

“We were impressed by Tom's success at rejuvenating businesses and by his broad and deep achievements as a senior executive in the retail industry,” Piau Phang Foo, chairman of the board of directors, said. “He has demonstrated success at driving innovation and growth globally."

Merrimack, N.H. -- Brookstone Inc. will appoint senior retail executive Thomas M. Via as president and CEO, and as a member of its board of directors, effective Dec. 1. Steven H. Schwartz, who had been serving as interim CEO, will resume his role as chief merchandising officer.  

By Lindsay Carlson, Adam Biegel and Kimyatta McClary, Alston & Bird LLP Over the past 18 months, there has been a significant increase in litigation and enforcement activity concerning comparative price advertising in the retail industry. Companies can face substantial reputational and cost consequences if targeted, and should consider examining their price advertising models and prepare to defend these models.

By Lindsay Carlson,  Adam Biegel and Kimyatta McClary, Alston & Bird LLP   Over the past 18 months, there has been a significant increase in litigation and enforcement activity concerning comparative price advertising in the retail industry. Companies can face substantial reputational and cost consequences if targeted, and should consider examining their price advertising models and prepare to defend these models.  

New York -- New York & Company announced that John Worthington has joined the company as president and COO, effective immediately. Worthington will lead the company’s store operations, real estate, outlets, finance, IT, sourcing and logistics areas.