Mass Merchant

Wayne, N.J. – The “Island of Misfit Toys” from the legendary Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer holiday special has nothing on Toys “R” Us. Toys "R" Us is running its 10th annual "Great Trade-In" event that lets customers exchange potentially unsafe, old and second-hand cribs, high chairs, car seats, strollers and other items in exchange for savings on a new item.

New York -- Barnes & Noble announced that Mitchell Klipper, CEO of the retail group, will retire at the end of the fiscal year, ending May 2, but will remain with the company in the role of special advisor on real estate and other matters. Klipper, a 28-year veteran of the chain, previously served as the retailer’s COO and CFO before being appointed chief executive.

The retailer said it has begun a search to fill Klipper’s position and that he will help with the selection of the new retail CEO and in the transition process.

New York -- The Retail Industry Leaders Association announced that top executives from Target, Walgreens and Cabela’s have joined the association’s board of directors.

RILA announced four new members of its board, including Target chairman and CEO Brian Cornell, Walgreens president Alexander Gourlay, Cabela’s president and CEO Thomas Millner and Newell Rubbermaid president and CEO Michael Polk.

Walmart is hoping to increase the cash in in-store shoppers’ wallets this year by offering a new tax refund service.

Direct2Cash is a way for customers to collect their tax refunds in cash at stores this tax season. The service is an alternative for taxpayers who otherwise might get refunds via check or direct deposit.

York, Pa. -- The Bon-Ton Stores announced that Keith E. Plowman, executive VP and CFO plans to retire in August. His departure will be followed by an 18-month consulting stint.

The retailer will undertake a national search to find a CFO to succeed Plowman.

Bentonville, Ark. -- In its newest move to offer more in-store financial services, Walmart is offering shoppers the option to pick up their tax refunds in cash. The new service, called Walmart Direct2Cash, is available nationwide starting Jan. 20.

According to Walmart, the option will help customers save time and money when compared to traditional tax refund options. Many people without traditional bank accounts must pay sometimes high check-cashing fees to cash their tax refund checks, the retailer noted.

(L-R) Target's Brian Cornell and Walgreens' Alexander Gourlay

Toronto – Sears Canada is reaching out to Target’s Canadian employees. The retailer is encouraging the 17,600 workers who will likely lose their jobs when Target exits the Canadian market later this year to apply for jobs online.

Sears Canada also plans to host job fairs for soon-to-be-laid-off Target employees across Canada, and will host a meet-and-greet for Target Canada head office employees with senior executives and HR experts at its corporate headquarters on Wednesday, Jan. 21.