Human Resources

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation announced that it has sent a letter to the congressional “super committee” on deficit reduction urging the panel to focus on initiatives that will boost the economy and create jobs.

Hingham, Mass. — Talbots Inc. posted a bigger-than-expected second-quarter loss on Wednesday, largely due to increased markdowns. The retailer also said that chief creative officer Michael Smaldone has departed the company, effective immediately.

Talbots reported a net loss of $37.3 million for the period ended July 30, compared with a profit of $941,000 a year earlier. Revenue fell 10% to $271.1 million from $300.7 million. Same-stores sales fell 10.4%.

HINGHAM, Mass. — Talbots is searching for a new chief creative officer, as the company struggles to find a product assortment that will translate into sales growth. The company's current chief creative officer, Michael Smaldone has left the company, effective immediately.

Chicago -- General Growth Properties, along with more than 130 of its malls, is encouraging employees and local residents in communities across the country to join them as they take pause to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of September 11. 

Columbus, Ohio -- Casto said Wednesday that Larry Schwenker has joined the firm as VP property management.

Schwenker’s primary focus will be on the organization’s Midwest and Alabama commercial portfolio, which totals approximately 15 million sq. ft.

Schwenker was most recently a principal at Bryant Management Services, based in Atlanta.
 

SAN FRANCISCO — Staples charitable arm, Staples Foundation, has partnered with The Hispanic Scholarship Fund to expand educational outreach and scholarship opportunities for Hispanic students and their families. As part of this partnership, Staples Foundation is awarding a $100,000 grant to fund community outreach programming and 22 Staples scholarships for Latino college students majoring in business, according to the company. This is the first partnership between HSF and Staples

New York City -- A Friday report by Reuters said that a former Borders Group employee is attempting to represent a class of about 300 Ann Arbor, Mich., workers in suing the bankrupt retailer for not giving proper notice of impending mass layoffs.

CINCINNATI — Kroger has announced the promotion of Joe Fey as president of the Quality Food Centers (QFC) division.

Fey, 57, has been VP merchandising for the company's Michigan division. He succeeds Donna Giordano, who was recently promoted to president of the Ralphs division in California.