Human Resources

Rite Aid is making some key executive moves even as the company is on the verge of merging with Walgreens in a $17.2 billion deal.

Rite Aid announced that Darren Karst has been promoted to the combined role of senior executive VP and CFO and chief administrative officer, effective immediately. He will continue to report to Rite Aid chairman and CEO John T. Standley.

Francesca's is turning to a merchandising veteran of Kohl's and Macy's to take over as the specialty retailer's new chief merchant.

The company announced it has named Laurie Hummel to the position of executive VP/chief merchandising officer, effective Nov. 30. She will report to Michael W. Barnes, the chairman, president, and CEO. Hummel will lead all merchandising, product development and vendor related supply chain functions.

It's changing of the guard time at Chico's FAS.

After what it called an extensive search, the retailer named industry veteran Shelley Broader as president and CEO, effective Dec. 1. She succeeds David F. Dyer, who will become vice chair of the Chico's board.

Broader brings over 25 years of experience to her new position. Most recently, she served as president and CEO of Walmart's EMEA region, responsible for retail operations and business development across Europe, the Middle East, Sub-Sahara Africa and Canada.

German discount grocery chain Lidl has broken ground for a new regional U.S. headquarters and distribution center in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. The facility is expected to create 200 jobs in the state and open no later than 2018.

There has been a bit of controversy lately regarding Urban Outfitters' recent request that some of their salaried employees “volunteer” to fill normally hourly roles in fulfillment centers and retail outlets. The labor community and their activist friends have been crying foul over what they perceive is the manipulation of salaried junior managers by forcing them to work “hourly” jobs and getting no additional pay or benefits.

Boston – Gordon Brothers announced that Alex Sutton, managing director of Industrial Inventory for Gordon Brothers-AccuVal, will be honored by the Commercial Finance Association with the 2015 Harry H. Chen Memorial Instructor of the Year Award.

REI has shocked the retail industry — and shoppers — with its decision to lock its doors on one of the biggest and most profitable shopping days of the year.

The retailer says it will be closed not only on Thanksgiving Day but also on Black Friday. REI.com will operate as normal on Thanksgiving. On Black Friday, REI.com will have a black takeover screen encouraging people to get outside. Customers will still be able to view product and make a purchase on Black Friday, but the order will not be processed until Saturday.

FedEx says a big boost in online shopping will propel its business between Black Friday and Christmas Eve at least 12.4% above 2014 levels.

FedEx expects the holiday period to include three shipment volume spikes: Cyber Monday and the first two Mondays in December.

The company said it was adding 55,000 employees for the holidays to handle the increased demand.