Mass Merchant

WAYNE, N.J. — Toys“R”Us announced that it has once again teamed up with four-time NBA Champion, actor, philanthropist and entrepreneur Shaquille O’Neal to launch its eighth annual nationwide fundraising campaign to benefit the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

New York City -- Wal-Mart Stores announced Monday that the president of its China unit is stepping down. A company spokesman said the resignation was unrelated to a Chinese government food safety case against several Wal-Mart stores.

Ed Chan, CEO of Wal-Mart China, left for personal reasons, the company said. Scott Price, president of Walmart Asia, will fill the position in the interim.

BALDWYN, Miss. — Hancock Fabrics hass announced that its board of directors has appointed Steven Morgan, the current interim president and CEO and member of the company’s board of directors, to serve as president and CEO, effective immediately. Morgan will continue to serve as a member of the Company’s board of directors.

By Sven Hammar, CEO, Apica

Competing with Walmart is nothing new for Target, but what appears to be different this holiday season compared with the last few years is, to borrow a football metaphor, Walmart has eliminated its turnovers and is now showing some signs of momentum.

At least that’s what the retailer told financial analysts gathered in Northwest Arkansas last week for an all-day meeting. 

The departure of two top Target executives in the span of 10 days probably wasn’t on the top of the company’s holiday wish list, but that’s the way the ball bounces in the retail big leagues. Last week, Target announced that Steve Eastman, president Target.com, had left the company to pursue other opportunities.

Target announced that Steve Eastman, president of Target.com, left the retailer to pursue other opportunities. Eastman’s departure follows a late August relaunch of Target.com.

Walmart has pegged its success in the United States on widening the price gap with competitors to fulfill its everyday low price value proposition, and again this week senior leaders in the stores division vowed to win on price.