Apparel

Kearney, Neb. — The Buckle, Inc. has named Kari G. Smith to the newly created position of executive VP of stores effective immediately. In her new role, Smith will continue to provide leadership related to all aspects of the in-store shopping experience for Buckle’s customers; including the education and development of Buckle’s sales team.

Washington, D.C. — Consumers leveled off post-holiday shopping and spending in the beginning of the year due in part to severe winter weather in much of the country. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), January 2014 retail sales, excluding automobiles, gas stations and restaurants, were flat seasonally adjusted month-to-month, yet increased 3% unadjusted year-over-year.

Plano, Texas — J. C. Penney Company, Inc. has named Ed Record executive VP and CFO, effective March 24. He will succeed Ken Hannah, who will remain CFO through that date to ensure a smooth transition.

As CFO, Record will be responsible for the financial operations of the company. He will report to Myron E. (Mike) Ullman III, CEO of J.C. Penney, and join the company`s executive board.

Chicago — L.L. Bean has been ranked number one in online customer experience. The E-tailing Group 2013 Customer Experience Index, based on a mystery shopping study conducted during the fourth quarter of 2013, awarded L.L. Bean a top score of 88.75, followed by HSN at 87.25.

Other retailers scoring higher than 80 included Office Depot, Overstock, Amazon, Wal-Mart, Sears, Abt, Target, and Dick’s Sporting Goods. Average score in 2013 was 71.06, up from 69.3 in 2012. Repeat winners from 2012 included Amazon and Office Depot.

Sidney, Neb. — Net income and revenue increased at Cabela’s during the fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2013. For the quarter, net income rose 18% year-over-year to $80.1 million from $68 million, and for the year grew 29% to $224.4 million from $173.5 million.

Destin, Fla. — Charming Charlie and Icing by Claire’s will open at Destin Commons in Destin, Fla., next summer as part of the Northwest Florida center’s 100,000-sq.-ft. expansion.

H&M and Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl & Grill will anchor the expansion wing.

Charming Charlie, a fashion accessories retailer, will occupy more than 6,000 sq. ft. next to Uncle Buck’s.

Los Angeles, Calif. — CIM Group has acquired a seven-asset portfolio that includes an office tower with ground floor retail and an enclosed regional shopping mall.

Ed Record, a former finance executive with Stages stores, Kohl’s, Belk and Federated, has been appointed to replace Ken Hannah as CFO at J.C. Penney.

Hannah joined J.C. Penney less than two years ago under the leadership of former CEO Ron Johnson, a former Apple executive who pursued a costly transformation strategy that alienated customers and led to sharp sales declines. Johnson was ousted last April and former J.C. Penney CEO Myron Ullman was brought back to restore growth and undo much of Johnson’s handiwork.

The Buckle has promoted Kari G. Smith to the newly created position of EVP of stores. In her new role, Smith will continue to provide leadership related to all aspects of the in-store shopping experience, including the education and development of the company’s sales team.

Cabela's revenue and earnings per share for 2013 grew at a double-digit rate for the fifth consecutive year, according to CEO Tommy Millner. However, despite an 18% increase in net income year-over-year to $80.1 million from $68 million, results for the fourth quarter did not meet the company’s expectations.

Millner explained that the two biggest short-term factors affecting results in the quarter were a much sharper-than-expected decline in ammunition sales as compared to last year’s surge and a softer-than-expected holiday season.