Retail

NEW YORK — Management consultancy Kurt Salmon announced John Karonis will move into the role of deputy chief executive officer and Brooks Kitchel, long-time retail specialist, will replace Karonis as head of the firm's global retail and consumer products group.

Asda, Walmart’s U.K. subsidiary, has big plans for 2012 that include investing more than £500m ($784 million) in its stores in 2012.

The company said it will invest the money in opening 25 new stores and three depots, as well as expanding and remodeling 43 of its existing stores. According to the company, this investment will create up to 5,000 new jobs in the United Kingdom. The company noted that current Asda associates would have the opportunity to enhance their careers through the company’s apprenticeship program.

MINNEAPOLIS — Supervalu on Tuesday named Michael Moore EVP and chief marketing officer. Moore will lead all of the company’s marketing activities, including overseeing customer and brand strategy, advertising, customer loyalty, and research and analytics.

Moore was named to the top marketing post following this week’s decision by Julie Dexter Berg to leave the company and return to the West Coast.

PLANO, Texas and NEW YORK — JCPenney announced that it has partnered with fashion designer Nanette Lepore to bring her first teen-focused line to its stores. Inspired by her teenage daughter, the line "l'amour nanette lepore" will be available exclusively at JCPenney and will debut as its own distinct shop beginning February 2013.

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Hy-Vee has introduced a mobile application that it said could make locating pie crust in its stores as easy as saying "pie."

The supermarket chain announced the release of the app, which allows customers to locate products, browse ads, search for recipes, build shopping lists, shop and interact with the company through social media. The app is built on the AT&T Mobile Enterprise Applications Platform and uses Taqtile Mobility's Shingle solution.

WASHINGTON — After President Barack Obama delivered his State of the Union address on Tuesday night, the National Retail Federation issued a response regarding his remarks on job creation.

NRF said it welcomed the President's emphasis on job creation, saying that it will help restore the nation's economic state.

ALISO VIEJO, Calif. — Buy.com has announced that Bernard Luthi, a 15-year veteran of e-commerce, technology and consumer electronics, has joined the company as chief marketing officer. Previously, Luthi was VP marketing, web management and customer service at Newegg.com.

In his new role, Luthi will lead Buy.com’s marketing initiatives, including web site experience, advertising, BuyTV, public relations and promotions. In addition, he will work closely with Buy.com parent company Rakuten on overall corporate branding. 

NEW YORK— The transformation of JCPenney into America’ favorite store will begin with dramatically simplified pricing strategy and promotional cadence supplemented by an improved product presentation that will allow the 110-year-old company to regain its personality with a new generation of shoppers, according to CEO Ron Johnson.