Department Store

New York -- Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia said Monday it has named Michael Robinson to the newly created position of VP e-commerce.

Robinson was most recently Anthropologie’s head of e-commerce for Europe and United Kingdom, and was responsible for launching the Anthropologie catalog and website in 1998, as well as introducing the retailer’s loyalty card program.

He has also held managerial and planning positions with Banana Republic and Smith & Hawken.

Chicago -- Claire's Stores announced Monday that its COO James G. Conroy has departed the company, effective immediately.

Conroy's duties will be assumed by newly appointed CEO James D. Fielding, who will officially join Claire’s on June 18. Fielding had been president of Disney Stores Worldwide since May 2008.
 

Plano, Texas -- J.C. Penney Co. on Thursday announced several promotions and additions to its merchandising, operations and investor relations areas.

“We’re rethinking every element of the retail business and there's no better way to re-imagine the possibilities than to tap the proven abilities of our own extraordinary talent along with the fresh perspectives offered by industry experts new to our organization,” said CEO Ron Johnson.

PLANO, Texas — JCPenney has announced several promotions and additions to its merchandising, operations and investor relations areas.

“We’re rethinking every element of the retail business and there's no better way to re-imagine the possibilities than to tap the proven abilities of our own extraordinary talent along with the fresh perspectives offered by industry experts new to our organization,” said CEO Ron Johnson.

CINCINNATI — Macy's Inc. has invested in the future of America, by hiring more than 1,000 college and university students for its Executive Development Program and for summer internships nationwide.

New York -- Toronto has become the first major city in Canada to ban the use of plastic shopping bags.

The ban was passed by the city council in a surprise move that Toronto Mayor Rob Ford denounced as “ludicrous,” The Globe and Mail reported.

The vote bans plastic bags, including biodegradable ones, from Toronto vendors starting in 2013. But the mayor predicted the ban will face a legal challenge.

Houston -- The Men’s Wearhouse reported Wednesday that net income for the first quarter dipped 2% to $26.9 million, dragged down by negative same-store sales at its K&G off-price unit. Its results missed expectations.

Revenue rose 1% to $586.6 million, missing Wall Street’s forecasted $593.7 million in revenue.

Indianapolis -- Simon Property Group said Thursday that 100% of its enclosed regional malls and Mills value properties now offer waste recycling to merchants.

"The fact that every one of our enclosed properties is now recycling cardboard is an accomplishment that makes us proud," said George Caraghiaur, senior VP energy and procurement at SPG, who coordinates the company's sustainability efforts. Caraghiaur also noted that pilot programs are underway for plastic film recycling and composting of food waste.