Human Resources

Restaurants are the current darlings of the shopping center developers. It was reported last year that Americans spent more money at bars and restaurants (a total of nearly $55 billion) than they did on groceries. In case you were wondering how big a deal that is, consider this: It was the first time in recorded history that that was the case. But that’s not the only reason that shopping center owners are mad for restaurants. They are also hubs of social activity that contribute to that all-important and often elusive experiential energy.  

Toys “R” Us is the latest company to downsize its workforce.   The toy retailer laid off between 10% and 15% of the employees at its Wayne, New Jersey headquarters — approximately 250 jobs — on Friday, Feb. 17, Forbes said.   

Dick’s Sporting Goods is expanding its breadth.   The chain is preparing to open five stores during the second week of March, a move totaling approximately 180,000 sq. ft. of retail space.    Specifically, a new Dick’s Sporting Goods will open in the Glendale area of Queens, New York, in one of the former Sports Authority locations that the company took over late last year. Another Dick’s store will open in Hinesville, Georgia.   

DWM Facilities Maintenance has opened a new office in Orlando, Florida. The new office will help facilitate the company’s recent growth.   

Thomas “TJ” Drought, who spent nearly 20 years in the employ of WP Glimcher, has joined Steiner + Associates as an executive VP.  

The National Retail Federation has high expectations for the nation’s next secretary of labor.   On the heels of Alexander Acosta’s nomination to head the federal Department of Labor on Thursday, Feb. 16, the retail trade association’s senior VP for government relations David French released the following statement:  

The baton has been passed at Beauty Brands as it looks to enter its “next phase of growth.”   The Kansas City-based retailer has named Caryn Lerner as CEO, succeeding Lyn Kirby, who will remain chairman. Kirby is part of the group that bought Beauty Brands in 2014 from founder Bob Bernstein. Since then, she has served as CEO and chairman of the company, reportedly commuting between Chicago and Kansas City.  Prior to Beauty Brands, Kirby served as CEO of Ulta Beauty.   

Ralph Lauren Corporation has created two executive positions as the company continues its turnaround efforts and to search for a new chief executive.   Ralph Lauren tapped Jonathan Bottomley to the newly created position of chief marketing officer, effective April 3. He will be responsible for evolving Ralph Lauren’s brand voice, leading the global marketing team and building cut-through marketing strategies across the company’s brands.