Department Store

Macy’s and Rite Aid are joining the other major retailers and companies that have partnered with Plenti, the first U.S.-based loyalty coalition  that allows shoppers to earn rewards points through a variety of purchases, from paying a phone bill to filling up at the pump.

The CEO of Carter's Inc. and the former CFO of V.F. Corp. have joined the board of directors at the Fresh Market.

Michael D. Casey, CEO and a director of Carter’s Inc., and Robert K. Shearer, formerly CFO of V.F. Corp., have been named as independent directors effective May 1. With these additions, the Fresh Market’s Board has nine directors, eight of whom are independent directors.

Secaucus, N.J. – Three days after an activist investor group filed a presentation with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) urging the election of new board members and claiming poor performance, The Children's Place Inc. has its own investor presentation with the SEC.

The presentation endorses the re-election of three board candidates at the May 22 annual meeting: Norman Matthews (chairman of the board), Kenneth Reiss (chair of the audit committee) and Stanley W. Reynolds (member of the audit committee).

Mississauga, Canada – Target Corp.’s exit from Canada is reportedly not turning out as smoothly as the retailer had hoped. According to the Toronto Globe and Mail, Target is returning 55 leases it could not find a bidder for to their landlords.

Target is also returning 19 leases for office and warehouse space in Canada. The company operated a total of 133 stores in Canada; meaning about 40% of the store leases did not attract bidders.

Specialty retailer Christopher & Banks has come up with an innovative celebration of women to drive traffic this Mother’s Day.

The retailer will solicit nominations for, and select, Amazing Women to be recognized for their selfless giving and positive impact on the lives of those around them. The first search this year will be launched in celebration of Mother's Day with nominations open through May 10.

Seattle – Curbside pickup is easy, and so is texting. Combine them, and you have the supreme convenience of a new service Nordstrom is reportedly piloting in several U.S. stores, including its flagship in downtown Seattle.

According to the Puget Sound Business Journal, the service allows customers to text or call ahead of time so a store associate is already waiting on the curb when the customer arrives. Nordstrom, which has allowed in-store pickup of online items since 2008, also plans to pilot the service for men’s alterations.

Dallas – Tuesday Morning Corp. has promoted Melissa Phillips, who currently serves as executive VP and general merchandise manager, to the newly created position of president and COO. In this role, Phillips will be directly responsible for merchandising, store operations and marketing, and will report directly to CEO Michael Rouleau.

Greenboro, N.C. – The Fresh Market Inc. has elected Michael D. Casey, CEO and a director of Carter’s Inc., and Robert K. Shearer, formerly CFO of V.F. Corp, and currently a director of Church & Dwight Co. Inc., as independent directors. With these additions, The Fresh Market’s board has nine directors, eight of whom are independent directors.