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Yonkers, N.Y. – Unsurprisingly, crowds and long lines are the single biggest consumer dread for the holiday season. According to a new Consumer Reports poll, 61% of consumers dread crowds and long lines, followed by bad traffic (54%).

Big data discovery and data sharing firm 1010data, Inc., named former Oracle exec Richard Michalec as its AVP of retail strategy and strategic accounts.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Cesar L. Alvarez, co-chairman of the international law firm of Greenberg Traurig, LLP, has been elected to membership on the Sears Holdings board of directors.

Alvarez joined Greenberg Traurig in 1973. Prior to his appointment as co-chairman, Alvarez served the firm as its executive chairman for more than three years, and as its CEO 13 years. Prior to becoming CEO in 1997, he practiced securities, corporate and international law for more than 25 years.

Sears Holdings has elected law firm executive Cesar Alvarez to its board of directors.

Alvarez is co-chairman of the international law firm Greenburg Traurig, which he joined in 1973. Before his appointment as chairman, he served as executive chairman for more than three years and as its CEO for 13 years, starting in 1997.

Hollywood, Calif. -- Frederick's of Hollywood Group Inc. has entered into a definitive merger agreement that provides for the acquisition of the company by a consortium consisting of HGI Funding LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Harbinger Group Inc., and certain of the company's other common and preferred shareholders. The members of the consortium as a group beneficially own approximately 88.6% of the company's common stock.

Saks Fifth Avenue, a subsidiary of Hudson's Bay Company, has appointed Mark Briggs as its chief marketing officer, reporting to president Marigay McKee, effective March 2014.

“Mark brings a wealth of experience in luxury brand management with a proven track record of creating retail magic around heritage brands. His passion for retail theater and essential understanding of the customer will be integral to our success,” said McKee. “I am thrilled to welcome Mark to the Saks team, where he will play a key role on the executive committee.”

Walmart dominated the airwaves this holiday season and the investment paid off, according to advertising measurement firm Ace Metrix which compiled a list of the most effective holiday ads.

Walmart topped the list with a heartwarming spot called Christmas Magic which featuring a selfless child donating a toy he desired to the Salvation Army only to discover he was the recipient of the same toy on Christmas Day. Walmart aired more than 40 unique pieces of holiday-themed creative this season, making it the most prolific advertiser of the season, according to Ace Metrix.