Education

Gloucester City, N.J. — The board of directors of Nest announced that Robert Almond, Jr. will take over as CEO of Nest, a 20-year-old multi-facility business advisor specializing in consulting, technology and financial solutions.

Washington, D.C. - A majority of hiring managers across all U.S. industries view retail experience positively and value the foundational job skills that retail instills in its employees. According to the new “Retail’s Value on a Resume: How Jobs in Retail Prepare America’s Workforce for Success” study from the National Retail Federation (NRF), 69% of those surveyed said retail workers have the skills and qualities they look for when hiring.

Kohl’s is stepping up again to make summer activities free for families this summer through a partnership with Summerfest.

The partnership will offer educational, fun and creative activities for children of all ages and their families, as well as the opportunity for patrons to gain free admission to the Summerfest festival.

Staples is empowering students to "Make Innovation Happen” with a new program that promotes research, collaboration and entrepreneurial thinking.

The retailer's Designed by Students program will allow students from two middle schools, MS88 in Brooklyn, N.Y., and Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Ga., to participate in a curriculum to foster creative thinking and teach students about designing innovative products. The program provides an original, educational experience to students. Staples is donating $50,000 to both schools as part of the program.

Washington, D.C. - The National Retail Federation (NRF) is hiring Mark Mathews as VP of research development and industry analysis. Mathews will develop, evaluate and direct research initiatives for NRF’s Retail Research and Analysis Center, which was announced in April.

Mathews brings more than two decades of research strategy and management experience to his new post.

Saks Fifth Avenue will be soaring to new heights with an unprecedented promotional event at its flagship store in New York City this month.

Sixteen dancers from the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School in Florida will be performing live in the windows of the store on Fifth Avenue on June 6 and June 7.

Wayne, N.J. -- Toys "R" Us on Tuesday named David A. Brandon, 63, the former chief executive of Domino’s Pizza, as its new chairman and CEO, effective July 1, 2015. He will succeed company veteran Antonio Urcelay, who was named CEO in November 2013, who is retiring from the retailer.

Walmart is furthering its $100 million commitment to industry workforce development with a big grant to the NRF Foundation.

An $800,000 grant from Walmart to the NRF Foundation will work with employers to determine the competencies needed in the industry and the potential for a new industry-validated credentialing program to help store and distribution center employees advance their careers.