Sears, Roebuck & Co.

New York — Macy’s is feeling the heat — from an activist investor and Donald Trump.

Activist investor Starboard Value wants the department store giant to follow the example set by such other retailers and Sears Holdings and Hudsons Bay Company and capitalize on its real estate holdings by spinning them off into a new investment vehicle. 

Starboard claims the move would double Macy’s stock value, Fortune reported. For more click here.

With its stock trading at a 52-week low, Sears has made an interesting choice to lead its department store business.

The company says it has found a new executive to develop a strategy for the Sears format that focuses on meeting the needs of the Shop Your Way member.  

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Sears Holdings had tapped a Gymboree exec as president and put her in charge of Sears’ Shop Your Way loyalty program.

Sears is using the program to align its online and offline operations.

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.