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Cincinnati -- Macy’s on Monday announced a series of changes to its senior executive leadership team, effective immediately. The changes include the creation of the newly-created role of chief omni-channel officer, which will be filled by Robert B. Harrison, previously Macy’s EVP for omni-channel strategy. Harrison, who will join the company’s executive committee, will report directly to Macy’s chief executive Terry Lundgren.
 

New York -- Target announced that it is expanding ongoing remodeling efforts to its stores in the Detroit area. Along with a much greater emphasis on grocery and fresh foods, the new layout include reinventions in several other departments such as beauty, home, shoes and baby.

Target’s  remodeled stores will include approximately 10,000 sq. ft. dedicated to fresh food, including a curated assortment of fresh produce, fresh packaged meat and pre-packaged baked goods, in addition to dry and frozen offerings.
 

WASHINGTON — Retail industry sales (which exclude automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) will increase 3.4%, down slightly from 4.2% in 2012 and 5.8% in 2011, according to the National Retail Federation’s 2013 economic forecast.

The lukewarm forecast, released Monday, comes on the heels of a holiday season that went head-to-head with Washington’s political wrangling over fiscal concerns, shifting consumers’ spending plans downward. In the end, holiday sales in 2012 grew 3.0%.

New York -- J.C. Penney is changing course on its no-sales policy. It was just one year ago that the retailer, amid much fanfare, announced it was nearly eliminating sales events from its stores in favor of a three-tier pricing strategy and everyday low pricing. But on Monday the Associated Press reported that J.C. Penney is not only bringing back sales promotions to its stores, but will also add price tags or signs for approximately half of its merchandise that will show the "manufacturer's suggested retail price" next to J.C.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target's remodeling effort has made its way to Detroit. The company announced Monday that it will add fresh grocery to stores in the area.

In addition to featuring a large selection of affordable fresh foods, the new layout will include reinventions in several other departments such as beauty, home, shoes and baby, aimed at providing guests with an exceptional one-stop shopping experience.

Mississauga, Ontario -- Target officially unveiled its partners, owned brands and limited-time only collections that will be featured in its Canadian stores, which will  start opening in March/April 2013.

In addition to Target's ongoing partnerships, the Canadian stores will include an exclusive, limited-time only collaboration with Roots. The new Roots Outfitters collection for Target will offer fashion for women, men, boys, girls and toddlers, and will be available from March to June 2013.

New York -- The National Father’s Day Council, a nonprofit that recognizes modern day role model fathers, has named Terry Lundgren, chairman, president and CEO of Macy’s Inc., as a recipient of its 2013 “Father of the Year” Award.

Lundgren joins President Bill Clinton, founder of the William J. Clinton Foundation and 42nd President of the United States, as a fellow honoree. The awards will be presented at the 72nd Annual Father of the Year Awards in New York City on June 11.

Saks Fifth Avenue is amping up its omni-channel strategy by updating  its SaksFirst loyalty program and adding free shipping. The changes will make the benefits of the program more consistent across Saks’ different channels. 

On Thursday, Saks announced that all Saks cardholders will now receive free shipping from Saks stores, Saks.com and Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th stores.