Mass Merchant

Walmart has named Technical Consumer Products as a 2013 Hardware/Paint Supplier of the Year in appreciation for the company’s support, outstanding contributions and overall operational fulfillment.

TCP, a leader in energy efficient lighting innovations, currently supplies more than 50 lighting products to Walmart, including LED and CFL light bulbs. Walmart has honored TCP with seven awards for supplier excellence in less than three years.

Dublin, Calif. -- Ross Stores’ board approved a succession plan that elevates Barbara Rentler from president and chief merchant to CEO, effective June 1, replacing Michael Balmuth who will transition to executive chairman.

Current president and COO Michael O’Sullivan will continue in his present position.

Other promotions effective June 1 include: Lisa Panattoni to president, merchandising; and Bernard Brautigan to group executive VP merchandising.

Toronto -- Hudson’s Bay Company named Paul V. Beesley as CFO, effective in June.

Beesley is a senior executive with extensive experience in financial management and strategic development across a range of leading Canadian-based companies. From 2000 to 2014, he served in a number of executive roles with Empire Company Limited, a corporation with annual sales in excess of $19 billion and operations in retailing and related real estate, including chief corporate development officer of the Sobeys unit and executive VP and CFO of Empire.

Pittsburgh -- GNC Holdings reported that net income for the quarter ended March 31 dipped to $69.9 million, from $72.6 million in the year-ago period.

Retail revenue grew 3.1% to $509.0 million, compared to $493.5 million for first quarter 2013, driven primarily by strength from the e-commerce sector. Consolidated revenue edged up 1.9% to $677.3 million. Same-store sales decreased 0.7%.

New York -- John Mulligan, the interim CEO of Target, said he wants customers to know they can shop with confidence at Target. Mulligan made his remarks during a TV interview with CNN's Poppy Harlow (See video below).

Mulligan, CFO of Target, was named as the interim CEO on Monday. He replaced company veteran Gregg Steinhafel, who departed the chain as it deals with the ongoing aftermath of its data breach.

Hudson’s Bay Company has named Paul V. Beesley as CFO, effective June 2014.

Alameda, Calif. — Charming Charlie has signed a 10-year lease for a new 5,570-sq.-ft. store at Alameda South Shore Center in Alameda, California. Cornish & Carey Commercial Newmark Knight Frank represented the landlord, Jamestown, the real estate investment and management firm, in the transaction.

Slated to open in September, the new Charming Charlie will join Carter’s and Crazy 8, two more recently signed tenants, in the 594,000-sq.-ft. open-air shopping center.

Cooking Light, Time Inc.’s leading epicurean brand, has expanded its prepared-foods line and co-branded SodaStream flavors to Target and Walmart.