Human Resources

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Lowe’s has donated $250,000 to the First Response Team of America, a nonprofit organization dedicated to responding to natural disasters and working alongside local agencies to help save lives in the wake of destruction.

New York — The Jones Group has named George Sharp EVP design, a newly created position. Sharp will report to Stefani Greenfield, chief creative officer, and will work across all brands.

"George is an exceptional talent who brings tremendous experience and knowledge to The Jones Group," said Stefani Greenfield, chief creative officer of The Jones Group. "He will work closely with all of our brands to ensure that great design leads the process by which our brands enter the market."

New York -- Ritz Camera & Image has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. As part of its restructuring, the company, which has 265 stores in 34 states, plans to close 128 locations and cut its staff of 2,000 in half.

This is the second time Ritz has sought protection under the bankruptcy laws, having emerged from Chapter 11 two years ago.

Austin, Texas -- Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services announced that Michael Buckner has rejoined the firm as a senior associate in the Austin office.

Buckner originally joined Marcus & Millichap in October 2003 as an agent specializing in retail property sales. In December 2004, he was promoted to associate and in 2006 he received a Sales Recognition Award from the firm.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Mattel has renamed its design center at its Southern California headquarters the Handler Team Center in honor of founders Ruth and Elliot Handler.

Former Hewlett-Packard executive Shelley Perry was named SVP and chief technology officer at online electronics retailer Newegg, the company announced Monday. The company also name Merle McIntosh as SVP product management.

“Newegg is dedicated to attracting top industry talent as we prepare to propel the company through our next stage of growth,” said Bob Bellack, CEO of Newegg North America. “Both Shelley and Merle are tremendous additions to our leadership team and we’re all thrilled to have them on board.”

Best Buy has been in the news a lot lately, with the scandal involving former CEO Brian Dunn and subsequent resignation of founder and chairman Richard Shulze on top of a fiscal year that saw the company’s GAAP loss widen to $3.36 cents per share and comparable-store sales slip 1.7%.

Understanding that an image overhaul was needed, Best Buy’s leadership went on the offensive at its annual shareholders’ meeting Thursday, ensuring attendees that the company would once again become the leader in consumer electronics and services.

Washington, D.C. — Former Microsoft executive, Tom Litchford, has been named The National Retail Federation's new VP retail technologies.

Effective July 2, Litchford will lead and manage NRF's Association for Retail Technology Standards and the exclusive, invite-only CIO Council. He will be responsible for developing and enhancing strategic programs, activities and relationships with retail and technology communities both domestically and internationally.