eCommerce

Ed Record, a former finance executive with Stages stores, Kohl’s, Belk and Federated, has been appointed to replace Ken Hannah as CFO at J.C. Penney.

Hannah joined J.C. Penney less than two years ago under the leadership of former CEO Ron Johnson, a former Apple executive who pursued a costly transformation strategy that alienated customers and led to sharp sales declines. Johnson was ousted last April and former J.C. Penney CEO Myron Ullman was brought back to restore growth and undo much of Johnson’s handiwork.

Newgistics, a leading provider of end-to-end e-commerce solutions for top retailers and brands, has entered into a partnership with ShipStation, a leading Web-based shipping solution for online merchants.

Newgistics seeks to leverage the partnership to streamline shipping operations and bolster its ongoing strategy to drive rapid and sustainable growth for its customers using expert logistics solutions.  

The Buckle has promoted Kari G. Smith to the newly created position of EVP of stores. In her new role, Smith will continue to provide leadership related to all aspects of the in-store shopping experience, including the education and development of the company’s sales team.

Cabela's revenue and earnings per share for 2013 grew at a double-digit rate for the fifth consecutive year, according to CEO Tommy Millner. However, despite an 18% increase in net income year-over-year to $80.1 million from $68 million, results for the fourth quarter did not meet the company’s expectations.

Millner explained that the two biggest short-term factors affecting results in the quarter were a much sharper-than-expected decline in ammunition sales as compared to last year’s surge and a softer-than-expected holiday season.

Meijer has upgraded its fashion offering to challenge national retailers in the apparel and accessories space.

The Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer touts itself as a pioneer of the one-stop shopping concept, but it said in a release that it is best known for its produce and meat departments. The company, therefore, has taken steps to upgrade its fashion offerings, not only by stocking a variety of on-trend merchandise, but also creating a dedicated fashion website and launching a social media initiative to promote their upgraded apparel and accessories category.

Stein Mart is unveiling an exclusive home collection by London-based interior designer and decorator Nina Campbell Friday, Feb. 14.

Nina Home by Nina Campbell will be available in 200 Stein Mart locations and on SteinMart.com.

Eco Depot has signed a letter of intent with Water Technology Development to distribute a new portable water purification device called the WaterGizzi. Eco Depot plans to market the product as part of its eco-friendly product line, which also includes the Click and Pour and the recently acquired WaterGeeks filtration brand.

Amazon plans to fill more than 2,500 new full-time jobs across its growing U.S. fulfillment network. Median pay inside Amazon fulfillment centers is 30% higher than traditional retail jobs, the company said, although it stopped short of disclosing the actual median pay rate for the positions it intends to fill.