Discount Store

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Sports Authority has appointed Paul M. Okimoto as the company’s new CMO. 

In his new role, Okimoto will be responsible for leading the strategic development and oversight of the company’s overall marketing plans to drive traffic and sales at stores nationwide and through the e-commerce platform. He is a 20-year marketing and general management executive with demonstrated success in retail, high-technology, mobile telecommunications, advertising and the consumer packaged goods industries.

Columbus, Ohio -- Discount retailer Big Lots has named David Campisi, 57, as CEO and president of Big Lots, effective May 6. The 30-year-industry veteran most recently served as chairman and CEO of Respect Your Universe, a publicly traded company focused on premium performance apparel and equipment. Prior to that, he was an executive with The Sports Authority for nearly seven years, rising to become chairman and CEO.

Moms are in for a special treat this Mother’s Day, May 12, according to a survey conducted by the National Retail Federation, but another survey conducted by IBISWorld has found that Mother’s Day spending growth will be flat this year compared to last year.

NRF’s Mother’s Day spending survey conducted by BIGinsight has found consumers will spend an average of $169 on mom, up 11% from last year’s $153. Total spending is expected to reach $21 billion.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Big Lots has named David Campisi as its new CEO and president. Campisi succeeds Steve Fishman, who announced in December 2012 his intention to retire upon the appointment of his successor. 

Fishman will also step down from the board of directors immediately following the 2013 annual meeting of shareholders on May 30, at which time Campisi will be appointed as a director. The board also plans to elect a non-executive chairman of the board.

Hamilton Township, N.J. -- North Plainfield, N.J.-based Levin Management Corp. said that Petco will open a store at Hamilton Plaza, located in Hamilton Township, N.J.

The pet supply retailer leased 13,640 sq. ft. at the 175,515-sq.-ft. center which is anchored by ShopRite and A.C. Moore. Other tenants include Sleepy’s, Dollar Tree, Hallmark, New Wave Wireless, Moe’s Southwest Grill and Texas Roadhouse.   

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Big Lots, North America's largest broadline closeout retailer, has launched its sixth annual Lots2Give program to benefit schools in need of financial support. 

Chicago -- Jones Lang LaSalle announced the addition of Larry Kilduff, Claire Bitautas and Anne Imming to its retail team.

Kilduff will serve as a VP and the retail management lead in the Midwest. Bitautas and Imming will serve as VPs on the brokerage team focusing on the downtown and suburban Chicago market. In their new roles they will partner with Midwest retail market lead Mark Hunter.

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Family Dollar has announced that EVP of supply chain Charles S. Gibson will leave the company to pursue other interests.

“Charlie has overseen the growth and development of our supply chain network and has been a valued part of our team,” said Howard R. Levine, chairman and CEO. “We appreciate the contributions Charlie has made to the company’s success, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”