Retail

Observant shoppers will have noticed something ominous in recent weeks: the arrival of fall and winter products and holiday marketing/promotions in many stores. As unbelievable as it might seem, considering the fact that much of the country is still experiencing 90-degree heat and a glance at the calendar shows that it is barely September as I write this, the holiday hullabaloo is already underway.

Maurices, a subsidiary of the Ascena Retail Group, announced that Ali Wing has been named chief marketing officer, executive VP of digital commerce. Wing joins Maurices after 10 years as CEO and founder of giggle, a multichannel retailer, wholesaler and licenser of baby products.

Long Island City, N.Y. -- The Yankee Candle Company is working with Michael C. Fina on the design and deployment of Yankee Candle’s employee recognition program.

Michael C. Fina is helping Yankee Candle celebrate their employees’ company achievements and milestones, including service anniversaries, with a dedicated recognition program designed to align with Yankee Candle’s corporate goals and unique work culture.

Duluth, Minn. -- Maurices, a subsidiary of the Ascena Retail Group, announced that Ali Wing has been named chief marketing officer, executive VP of digital commerce. Wing joins Maurices after 10 years as CEO and founder of giggle, a multichannel retailer, wholesaler and licenser of baby products.

Fort Worth, Texas – Analyst firm Wedbush Securities is reportedly advising clients that a bankruptcy is “imminent” at RadioShack. According to Barron’s, Wedbush has lowered its target price for RadioShack to $0, citing concerns including inability to secure lender approval for 1,100 proposed store closings and general weakness in the consumer electronics sector.

Wayne, N.J. – Toys “R” Us on Tuesday announced several executive appointments. The retailer named Debbie Lentz as senior VP, chief supply chain officer, with responsibility for U.S. distribution and customs compliance, global importing and exporting, fleet operations and domestic transportation, reporting to Hank Mullany, president, Toys “R” Us, U.S.

Rakuten has confirmed that it is in the process of acquiring Ebates, a provider of the largest cash-back shopping website in North America, for a total consideration of $1 billion in cash and will hold 100% of Ebates’ outstanding voting stock.

Atlanta – The attorneys general of California, Connecticut and Illinois are reportedly leading a multi-state investigation into the recent data breach at The Home Depot Inc. According to Reuters, the attorneys general of New York and Iowa will also take part in the effort.