Human Resources

Toys “R” Us and Kohl’s are among the first retailers to announce their holiday hiring plans this year, and the numbers are more or less the same as last year for both companies.

Toys “R” Us plans to hire 40,000 employees at its stores and distribution centers throughout the country (about 5,000 less than last year). The retailer also plans to allow seasonal workers the opportunity to take on significantly more hours than in previous years, while also continuing to provide extra hours to current employees.

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is questioning whether to use a broader definition of the term “joint employer,” a move that could bring sweeping changes to the restaurant and retail/wholesale franchisor model. Whether a large fast-food company exhibited more control than it should have over its franchisees was the most recent catalyst for the proposed change, but several earlier cases have challenged the more than 30-year-old standard for determining joint employment.

Kohl’s and Toys"R"Us are among the first retailers to announce their holiday hiring plans this year, and the numbers are more or less the same as last year for both companies.

Toys”R”Us plans to hire 40,000 employees at its stores and distribution centers throughout the country (about 5,000 less than last year). The retailer also plans to allow seasonal workers the opportunity to take on significantly more hours than in previous years, while also continuing to provide extra hours to current employees.

Taubman Centers named Simon J. Leopold, treasurer and executive VP, capital markets, as CFO, effective Jan. 1.

Leopold will succeed current CFO Lisa A. Payne, who will continue as vice chairman until she leaves the company in March. Payne has been with the shopping center development and management company since 1997. Earlier, she was a vice president of Goldman, Sachs & Co.’s investment banking division.

Chattanooga, Tenn. -- CBL & Associates Properties, announced the addition of Chris Bursch as VP – Information Technology and will be responsible for all areas of IT.

Bursh has more than 30 years of experience in IT Leadership within the financial services, and most recently, the pharmaceutical industry.

Prior to joining CBL Bursch owned an IT management consulting business and held various leadership positions within information technology in the Chattanooga area.  
 

Toys“R”Us has looked to a Loreal veteran to take over its human resources division.

The retailer announced that it has named Tim Grace as executive vice president, global chief talent officer, effective immediately. In this role, the company says Grace will oversee all global human resources functions, including organizational design, talent acquisition, succession planning, learning, change management and labor and employee relations, as well as compensation and benefits. He will report to Dave Brandon, Chairman and CEO, Toys“R”Us, Inc.

New York -- Dollar General is giving major financial support to a cause that may appeal to many value-oriented shoppers.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation announced that it has awarded over $4 million to approximately 870 schools, nonprofits and literacy organizations to enhance and support youth literacy and education across the 43 states Dollar General serves.

With the seasonal merchandise season about to get into full swing, Lowe's has hired a marketing executive from Family Dollar to lead its seasonal product business.

Lowe's Companies Inc. announced that Jocelyn Wong has been named senior vice president and general merchandising manager for the company's seasonal product business area, effective Oct. 12.  She will report to Chief Merchandising Officer Michael P. McDermott.