Education

To remain in the same e-commerce class as its peers, Pennsauken, N.J.-based Becker’s School Supplies, Inc. redeveloped and relaunched its online retail site on the WebLinc e-commerce platform.

“We needed a significant upgrade of our Web presence,” explained Robert Bonczkiewicz, catalog manager at Becker’s. “Competitors in our space are top-notch and we needed to get up to speed.”

SMS Assist, a leading technology-driven facilities maintenance and management company, has appointed Geoffrey Wigner as its EVP of facilities.

Wigner previously served as senior director of store services for Dollar General, where he managed more than $500 million in capital and expense budgets while directing major projects affecting more than 10,000 stores. Wigner helped the nationwide retailer open 625 new stores and renovate 525 others in fiscal year 2011. 

Enesco, LLC, a leading global designer, producer and marketer of branded giftware, plush toys and home and garden décor, has appointed Molly C. Kinney as president of Department 56, a wholly owned subsidiary of Enesco.

Kinney replaces Susan Azar, who recently resigned her position after 10 years with Department 56. 

Altoona, Pa. -- Joe S. Sheetz, executive VP of finance and store development for Sheetz, will assume the position of president and CEO, beginning Oct. 1.

Current chief executive Stan Sheetz leaves the presidency after 18 years and will stay active in the convenience store chain in the role of chairman.

The Walmart Foundation has appointed Kathleen McLaughlin as its president, effective Oct. 15. In addition to leading corporate giving, she will have responsibility for the company's global sustainability, women's economic empowerment initiatives and healthier food initiatives. 

McLaughlin, previously a senior partner at global consulting firm McKinsey & Company, is a dual American-Canadian citizen and was based in Toronto.

Boulder, Colo. — Transwetern’s Denver office has announced the completion of two leases at Hilltop Plaza, a four-story retail/office building in Boulder, Colo., in the University Hill shopping district just one block from the University of Colorado.

BoCo Café has taken a 1,742-sq.-ft. space in the food court. Spark Boulder, a provider of student and entrepreneurial co-working facilities, has leased 5,482 sq. ft. and plans to opening in November.

Columbus, Ohio – Big Lots, Inc. has joined the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) as full board members.

"We are honored to join the distinguished and diverse group of directors who comprise NACD's full board members," said Philip E. Mallott, chairman of the board at Big Lots. "The resources, insights, and connections NACD offers will be valuable assets to our company as we continue to strengthen our corporate governance practices."

Rockville, Md. — Kids First Swim School has leased an 8,654-sq.-ft. space at the Randolph Hills Shopping Center in Rockville, Md. Divaris represented the landlord, Randolph Properties Limited Partnership, in the transaction.

Kids First Swim School is the nation’s largest provider of year-round, warm-water swimming instruction. The school operates in 16 locations in four states and teaches more than 80,000 students every year.