Retail

By Chris Stoneff, Lieberman Software

My experience in cyber security tells me that the retail sector probably represents the most fertile ground for cyber criminals. That's because professional hackers understand that retail has never focused on IT security to the extent seen in other industries (like banks or payment processors) that handle customer payment card data.

Naples, Fla. -- ACI Worldwide, a leading global provider of electronic payment and banking solutions, announced that Auchan Group, one of the world’s largest food retailers, has selected the company to deliver its new SEPA-compliant European card payments platform, the first of its kind in Europe.

RetailMeNot has named former eBay executive Michael Jones as SVP of retailer and brand solutions as it seeks to grow its footprint.

Jones spent the last four years serving as VP of merchant development at eBay, where he was responsible for building and developing the company's business relationships with some of the largest brands and retailers in the world and growing the business of its largest customers. His responsibilities included sales, business development, merchant relations and operations for eBay's marketplace business.

Columbus, Ohio -- Chute Gerdeman, a global design consultancy, announced an expanded executive team, including the appointment of Brian Shafley as CEO.

“We are in one of the most productive and innovative periods of Chute Gerdeman’s 25-year history,” said Chute Gerdeman Co-chairman Denny Gerdeman. “With these promotions, we have assembled a highly-talented leadership team that is building on the exciting opportunities at hand.”

Boca Raton, Fla. - Office Depot Inc. has been awarded a $100 million-plus contract for office supplies and other office solutions by Corporate United following a competitive solicitation process. The new agreement with Office Depot includes office supplies, furniture, technology products and copy and print services provided at significant discounts and savings to eligible member companies.

Broad-line retailer Alco’s shareholders have replaced the company’s board of directors with seven new members, effective immediately. The elections were made at the company’s annual meeting of stockholders in Dallas late last week.

The strategy at Conn’s to grow sales of its most profitable product lines have proved successful for the specialty retailer, which marked its 12th consecutive quarter of increasing same-store sales. But overall results were unsatisfactory, because provisions for credit losses were higher than expected, resulting in portfolio performance deterioration.

Oak Brook, Ill. - Eastwood Towne Center has signed J.Jill, who selected Eastwood Towne Center as their only location in Central Michigan. This follows on the heels of recent opening announcements by Apple, Sephora, Gymboree and a newly expanded Forever 21, also exclusive to Eastwood in Central Michigan.

The 3,600-sq.-ft. J. Jill store will be located next to Express and American Eagle. J.Jill is expected to open in the late fall.