Human Resources

Outsourcing turns store closings into positive events
By Richard P. Edwards, [email protected]

Real estate portfolio optimization has become standard practice for retailers and, in the current environment, store closings often outnumber openings. In many cases, closing stores is a proactive move. For instance, healthy retailers strengthen their positions by closing under-performing stores and relocating stores within a market is an ongoing process when retailers review leases up for renewal or look to improve their position in the area.
Macy's to expand e-commerce organization, add 725 jobs
New York City -- Macy’s said Tuesday that it plans to expand its website offerings and would add about 725 new positions over the next two years to implement the e-commerce expansion plan.

Macy's growing e-commerce, adding jobs

CINCINNATI - Macy's Inc. has announced a series of organizational expansions, totaling approximately 725 new positions over the next two years, to support the growth of macys.com and bloomingdales.com.
Sears names president of apparel unit

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Sears Holdings Corp. said Tuesday that it has named Lana Cain Krauter as senior VP and president of its Sears Apparel division. Effective Feb. 1, she will lead the charge in growing the division both in-store and online.

Krauter was previously president and chief merchandising officer for Bealls Department Stores.

She will be based in San Francisco.
The Container Store and Urban Outfitters to be Honored at NRF 2011 Annual Convention

Executives from The Container Store and Urban Outfitters are among the retailers who will be honored at the National Retail Federation’s Annual Convention and EXPO, or BIG Show, which will be held at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City, Jan. 9-12, 2011.

The recipients will accept their awards during the show’s Annual Retail Industry Luncheon on Tuesday, Jan. 11.
Dollar General to open 625 stores, add 6,000 jobs in 2011

Goodlettsville, Tenn. -- Building on its plans to open 625 new stores in fiscal 2011, Dollar General Corp. announced that it will create 6,000 new jobs. The new stores and jobs will be spread among Dollar General’s existing 35-state operating area, as well as three new states: Connecticut, Nevada and New Hampshire.

In addition to 625 new stores, the company plans to remodel or relocate 550 stores.
Dollar General to create 6,000 new jobs

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. - Dollar General announced that in addition to opening 625 new stores in fiscal 2011, it intends to create 6,000 new jobs.

“Bringing our store model of convenience and value to more people in more states is an exciting opportunity for us,” said Rick Dreiling, Dollar General’s chairman and CEO. “We believe the new communities and states we are entering will benefit from the new jobs, shopping choices and dedication to community found at Dollar General.“
Retail’s Clash of the Titans: Walmart and Target

By Craig R. Johnson
Focus on: Compensation Outlook
Jo-Ann Stores to be acquired for $1.6 billion

HUDSON, Ohio - Jo-Ann Stores announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by an affiliate of Leonard Green & Partners, L.P., for a total price of approximately $1.6 billion, or $61 per share in cash. The offer price represents a 34% premium to the closing price of Jo-Ann’s shares on Dec. 22.

Outsourcing turns store closings into positive events

Macy's to expand e-commerce organization, add 725 jobs

Macy's growing e-commerce, adding jobs

Sears names president of apparel unit

The Container Store and Urban Outfitters to be Honored at NRF 2011 Annual Convention

Dollar General to open 625 stores, add 6,000 jobs in 2011

Dollar General to create 6,000 new jobs

Retail’s Clash of the Titans: Walmart and Target

Focus on: Compensation Outlook

Jo-Ann Stores to be acquired for $1.6 billion