Department Store

In the February issue of Chain Store Age, in our focus on mall-based social media (page 52), we referenced a fourth quarter 2010 study by Alexander Babbage, entitled the “Shopping Center Social Media Benchmark Report.”

Following are more details about the study, which found that “social media tools and networks are making it easier for shopping centers to relay information, interact with customers and generally stay connected.” 

San Francisco -- Gap announced Tuesday that Marka Hansen president of Gap North America, has resigned, effective Feb. 4.

According to Glenn Murphy, Gap chairman and CEO, the decision to change leadership was mutual.

“After several conversations, Marka and I agreed this was the right time for a change in the organization in order to take Gap brand to a new level,” he said.

The apparel retailer said it has identified an internal successor to Hansen, who will be announced in the next day.

North Haven, Conn. -- Purchase, N.Y.-based National Realty & Development Corp. said that RadioShack has opened for business at North Haven Pavilion, located in North Haven, Conn.

Target, Sports Authority and Michaels anchor the 274,000-sq.-ft. center.

RadioShack opened on Jan. 11 and leased a 2,200-sq.-ft. space.

San Francisco -- Williams-Sonoma said Tuesday that its board has approved a $125 million stock repurchase program.

The retailer said the new program will likely be completed by January 2012. It does not have an expiration date. The company said it had completed a $65 million stock repurchase program approved in September 2010.

Williams-Sonoma, which runs Pottery Barn, West Elm, its namesake stores and other brands, had about 105.1 million outstanding shares as of Nov. 28, 2010.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- Sears announced that it has partnered with wedding and entertaining expert David Tutera for the debut of the David Tutera Bridal Jewelry Collection. All settings in the Eternal, Heirloom, Radiance and Legacy designs, of which the premiere collection is comprised, will be available at Sears stores nationwide as well as online at http://www.Sears.com/DavidTuteraJewelry beginning Feb. 1.

Framingham, Mass. -- The TJX Cos. said Tuesday that it has restructured its executive management as part of the retailer’s ongoing leadership succession planning.  

Carol Meyrowitz has inked another two-year employment agreement as CEO. Ernie Herrman has been promoted to president of TJX Cos. from his post of senior executive VP group president.

Meyrowitz will now have Herrman and Jeffrey Naylor, senior executive VP CFO and chief administrative officer, reporting to her.

The Chicco brand of baby gear hit Target stores this week with three key items featured in the retailer’s weekly ad. Those same items were then called out in stores with red placards the size of album covers, in case anyone remembers what those were, that featured the advertised sales price. The items featured included a Chicco Cortina travel system for $260, a highchair for $130 and a playpen for $160.

City of Industry, Calif. -- Hot Topic said Monday that Chris Daniel, president of the company’s plus-size Torrid division, has resigned effective April 29.

The company has named Betsy McLaughlin as interim head of Torrid upon Daniel’s departure, and said it will conduct an outside search for a permanent replacement.