Human Resources

SEATTLE — Recreational Equipment Inc. will make its Florida debut in the spring of 2013 with the opening a a store in Jacksonville, Fla. The company also announced that it will open its eighth store in Texas in the city of San Antonio in the fall of 2012.

The company's first Florida store in Jacksonville will occupy nearly 23,400 sq. ft. and will be located at The Markets at Town Center. The San Antonio location will occupy 27,500 sq. ft. 

By Suzy Stewart, DHR International

It appears that 2010 was a real turning point for retailers going to the outside to find experienced and talented omnichannel executives.

New York City -- Modell’s Sporting Goods said Tuesday it will celebrate the grand opening of three new locations in Brooklyn, N.Y., Fresh Meadows, N.Y., and Wayne, N.J., on March 8.

The Fresh Meadows store measures 13,000 sq. ft., the Wayne store is 16,700 sq. ft., and the Brooklyn store is 15,900 sq. ft.

Naperville, Ill. — OfficeMax has named new leadership at its contract division. The company announced that, effective April 2, John Kenning will serve as executive VP and president and will report directly to Ravi Saligram, president and CEO of OfficeMax.

CHELMSFORD, Mass. — The Kronos Retail Labor Index released by the company on Thursday showed that retail hiring is on the rise, even as fewer people seek jobs in the retail sector.

The Index jumped to 4.2%, up nearly 7% from last year, indicating a potential recovery in the labor market. The number of applications edged down 1.3% , which is down nearly 6% from its level one year ago, pointing to applicants seeking employment in other growing industries.

Walmart U.S. president and CEO Bill Simon has the coolest job in the world, and he explained why during a luncheon presentation Thursday at the Cross Church in Rogers Ark. where he touched on his military career, being exceptional and overcoming evil.

Plano, Texas — J.C. Penney Co. has named Laurie Beja Miller as executive VP The Square, a position in which she will lead the company’s efforts to execute its new center core strategy. The appointment follows J.C. Penney’s previously plans to transform its stores by adding some 100 in-store branded shops and converting the center of its stores to a “Town Square” area that offer various services.

PLANO, Texas — JCPenney is looking to make its department store a destination for more than just shopping, and has named a new executive to help lead the charge. Assuming the role of EVP, The Square is Laurie Beja Miller, who will oversee the company's new center core strategy that will serve as a gathering place with ongoing attractions and services, JCPenney announced. Miller will join JCPenney on April 1, and report to CEO Ron Johnson.