Mass Merchant

Normally, it is a big deal when the vice chairman of a major company announces their retirement. Especially when said executive is only 56 and in the prime of their senior leadership years. That wasn’t the case earlier this week when Walmart announced that Eduardo Castro-Wright would be stepping down as vice chairman and CEO of the company’s global e-commerce and global sourcing businesses.

So much for the weak economy. A record number of people, 161 million to be precise, are expected to celebrate Halloween this year, according to the National Retail Federations annual survey.

NRF has been conducting the consumer intentions and actions survey for 10 years and the outlook for this year is the brightest ever with average spending per person expected to increase to $72.31 from $66.28 last year.

WASHINGTON — Halloween will be a popular holiday this year, according to the National Retail Federation, as more consumers this year are expected to partake in traditional festivities. 

SEATTLE — Walmart announced that ihas been selected as one of the Washington Green 50 list by Seattle Business Magazine as part of its annual Green Washington Awards competition. Walmart was a finalist in the retail category.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Store announced the appointment of David Cheesewright as executive VP, president and CEO of a new regional management team. In this newly created role, he will lead Walmart's retail operations in Canada, the United Kingdom and Sub-Saharan Africa, and will oversee business development in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Canada.

Cheesewright will assume his role immediately and report directly to Doug McMillon, president and CEO, Walmart International.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — In her new role as president and CEO of Walmart Canada, Shelley Broader will be tasked with addressing new competition from Target and other retailers expanding into Canada. Broader, who joined Walmart Canada in 2010 as chief merchandising officer, will assume her new role effective immediately.

Prior to Walmart, Broader held a range of key positions with Michael's and Hannaford Bros.Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

SIDNEY, Neb. — Cabela’s Inc. announced that Scott Williams will be joining the company as EVP and chief marketing and e-commerce officer, reporting to Tommy Millner, chief executive officer.

Previously, Williams served as president of Fanatics Inc., a vertically integrated online retailer of team and league licensed sports apparel and collectibles, which he joined in 2010. While at Fanatics, Williams led business and financial results with specific emphasis on marketing, IT, business development and manufacturing.

Sidney, Neb. -- Cabela’s announced that Scott K. Williams has been named executive VP and chief marketing and e-commerce officer.

Previously, Williams served as president of Fanatics, a vertically integrated online retailer of team and league licensed sports apparel and collectibles, which he joined in 2010. Prior to that, he was a corporate VP Wal-Mart Stores from 2006 to 2010.