Department Store

Omaha, Neb. -- Apparel and home décor chain Gordmans announced Monday it has appointed Michael Morand as EVP and chief merchandising officer.

Morand has served as Gordmans' EVP planning, allocation and analysis since 2008. In his new position, he will lead the combined merchandising and planning team and drive the retailer’s continued expansion in both new and existing markets.

Sherman Oaks, Calif. — American apparel brand Cherokee Inc. said Monday it has partnered with Chinese hypermarket chain RT Mart to launch an online Cherokee store on China’s largest e-commerce website, Tmall.com.

Cherokee will join Gap, Uniqlo, Adidas and Levi’s, who have each opened retail storefronts on Tmall.com.

Chicago -- Claire's Stores announced Friday that Dina Keenan has been appointed global SVP and chief marketing officer, effectively immediately.

Keenan’s experience in marketing strategy, brand development, advertising and retail include stints at Bath & Body Works, Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salons & Spas, and Bozell Worldwide.

One of the initial focuses for Keenan will be to align her organization to support the global brand needs of Claire's and Icing, the company said.

Traffic trends at Walmart and other major retailers declined in December even though e-commerce sales set new records in the fourth quarter and throughout 2012.

Fort Worth, Texas -- In an unexpected move, RadioShack said late Thursday that Walgreen Co. divisional president Joseph Magnacca will take the helm of the beleaguered consumer electronics chain as its new CEO.

New York -- A report released Thursday by the National Council of Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries and the International Council of Shopping Centers said that the U.S. shopping center industry’s net operating income for the fourth quarter continued to show a strong gain nationally, rising 4.3% year-over-year.  

Total operating income of all U.S. shopping centers on a square foot basis rose 3.6% over the year-ago period.

For all of 2012, the U.S. shopping-center industry posted a 3.6% rise in NOI.

MONTREAL — Target has presented its Emerging Designer Award to Mélissa Nepton. Nepton was selected from a group of five finalists as the grand prize winner during the final competition hosted last night at Montreal Fashion Week. The Target Emerging Designer Award is part of the Designers Fund, a joint initiative of Groupe Sensation Mode and Fondation de la mode de Montréal.

Seattle -- Sur La Table said Thursday it has promoted Jacob Maurer to the position of SVP – general merchandising manager for the kitchen goods chain.

The promotion is effective immediately, and will put Maurer in charge of all merchandise buying and product development functions for the company.