Direct To Consumer (DTC)

Paris -- Carrefour, the second largest retailer in the world after Wal-Mart Stores, has selected French retailing veteran Georges Plassat, 62, as its next CEO and chairman.

Indianapolis -- The Finish Line said Thursday it has appointed Jay Custard as VP of digital marketing for the company.

Custard’s responsibilities include leading and directing corporate strategies involving digital customer acquisition, retention and superior customer satisfaction, as well as developing new strategies to support future growth.

He was previously VP of e-commerce, global, for Crocs.

Stockholm, Sweden -- Swedish fast-fashion retailer Hennes & Mauritz reported Thursday that net profit for the fourth quarter dipped to $997.2 million from $1.1 billion in the year earlier period. Sales in December, the first month of H&M's fiscal first quarter, were up 13% year-on-year in local currencies, against a forecast 12%. Same-store sales were up 4%.

"Most indicators suggest that the macro-economic climate in many of our markets will continue to be tough during 2012," said CEO Karl-Johan Persson.

ALISO VIEJO, Calif. — Buy.com has announced that Bernard Luthi, a 15-year veteran of e-commerce, technology and consumer electronics, has joined the company as chief marketing officer. Previously, Luthi was VP marketing, web management and customer service at Newegg.com.

In his new role, Luthi will lead Buy.com’s marketing initiatives, including web site experience, advertising, BuyTV, public relations and promotions. In addition, he will work closely with Buy.com parent company Rakuten on overall corporate branding. 

Woodmere, Ohio -- Urban Outfitters’ concept Free People, as well as men’s shoe retailer Allen Edmonds, will make their debut to the Northeast Ohio market when they open their doors at Eton Chagrin Boulevard.

The Eton location is Free People’s first Ohio boutique while the only other Allen Edmonds stand-alone store in the state is an outlet store in Jefferson, Ohio.

York, Pa. -- The Bon-Ton Stores said Tuesday it has appointed Brendan L. Hoffman as president and CEO, effective Feb. 7.

Hoffman replaces Bud Bergren, who is a current member of the board of directors and who will transition to the role of the chairman.

New York City -- Prudential Douglas Elliman's Retail Group said it has arranged a long-term lease at 1225 Madison Avenue for Poulet Rose, the recently launched tween division of young girl's fashion and accessories brand Pink Chicken.  

The current lease represents the brands' first standalone store in New York City, with only one other, a Pink Chicken, located in Amagansett. 
 

New York City -- Hudson’s Bay Co. has completed the acquisition of Lord & Taylor, according to a report by Women’s Wear Daily.

The report said that HBC owner Richard Baker has dissolved the umbrella company that had until now held the two chains, and that HBC would now operate The Bay and Lord & Taylor. The new entity will be run by Bay CEO Bonnie Brooks, according to the report.