Sears, Roebuck & Co.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. – Sears Holding Corp. has met financial expectations for its new real estate investment trust (REIT) called Seritage Growth Properties. A 53.3 million-share Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) subscription rights offering for Seritage that closed on July 2 was oversubscribed and generated about $1.6 billion, meeting expectations for gross proceeds of $1.57 billion.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. – Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores Inc. has named William (Will) A. Powell as CEO and president. Powell succeeds W. Bruce Johnson, who as previously announced is stepping down as CEO and president.

New York – Barnes & Noble Inc. has tapped Ronald D. Boire, currently president and CEO of Sears Canada Inc., to become the CEO of its new retail division, effective Sept. 8.

Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores has promoted its chief operating officer to CEO.

The board of directors has elected William (Will) A. Powell as the company’s chief executive officer and resident, effective immediately. Powell succeeds W. Bruce Johnson, who as previously announced is stepping down.

Barnes & Noble is hoping that hiring a CEO with experience launching electronics products will help revive its Nook e-reader division.

The retailer has named Ronald D. Boire, currently president and CEO of Sears Canada Inc., to become the CEO of its new retail division.

Hudson, Ohio -- Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores announced a key hire in marketing, and a promotion in merchandising.

Jo-Ann has hired Amy Parker as senior VP, marketing & advertising. Most recently, Amy was the chief marketing officer for Pet Supplies Plus and prior, chief marketing officer for the home division at Sears Holdings.

Previously, she was with Michaels, Toys “R” Us, and several other multi-unit chains.

Pier 1 Imports has named a former finance executve of Michaels, Kmart and Sears as its new chief financial officer.

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, the nation’s leading fabric and craft specialty retailer, has announced two significant organizational changes in the merchandising and marketing areas.

Megan Featherston, formerly senior vice president, merchandising, at Jo-Ann, has been promoted to executive vice president, merchandising & marketing. In her new role, Megan will oversee the retailer’s merchandising, marketing, Joann.com and business intelligence and analytics teams.

New York -- One of the world’s largest retailers has undertaken a search is underway for a new CEO to execute a massive transformation. But getting to the interview will require U.S. executives to take a very long flight and the successful applicant will need good listening skills to decipher the accent of co-workers.

A search is underway for a new CEO to execute a massive transformation at one of the world’s largest retailers. Getting to the interview will require U.S. executives to take a very long flight and the successful applicant will need good listening skills to decipher the accent of co-workers.