Retail

QVC’s Claire Watts has resigned from her role as CEO of U.S. operations, effective Friday, Sept. 5, to pursue other opportunities.

New York -- Amazon said that senior VP and CFO Thomas J. Szkutak plans to retire in June 2015. Brian T. Olsavsky, VP finance for Amazon’s global consumer business, will succeed Szkutak. Szkutak and Olsavsky will work together during the next 10 months as part of the transition.

Szkutak joined Amazon in 2002 as CFO, and oversees the controller, treasury, investor relations, tax, internal audit and facilities functions as well as financial management of the company’s business units.

Nashville, Tenn. - Asurion Retail Solutions has rolled out Solution Hub, an online platform providing consumers transparency and control of the post-purchase service experience. Solution Hub, customizable to reflect retail brands, offers consumers an end-to-end solution for filing claims, scheduling in-home repairs, and choosing the best fulfillment option for certain product categories.

Christopher & Banks president and CEO LuAnn Via said financial results for the second quarter ended Aug. 2 were solid, adding that the company made continued progress toward its long-term growth objectives.

Net sales at the specialty women’s apparel retailer totaled $106.6 million, an increase of 2.3% from $104.2 million for the year-ago period. During the quarter, the company operated an average of 9.3% fewer stores than during the comparable period last year. Same-store sales increased 2.6%.

Ventura, Calif. – Outdoor apparel retailer Patagonia has been awarded the Supply Chain Innovation Award from supply chain management technology provider GT Nexus for continued efforts in creating a responsible supply chain. The Supply Chain Innovation Award recognizes Patagonia's commitment to partnering with its suppliers as it improves supply chain processes.

Foothill Ranch, Calif. – In a regulatory filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Wet Seal Inc. said John D. Goodman has resigned as CEO, effective Aug. 26.

Wet Seal CEO John D. Goodman has resigned from the role he took in January 2013. He was charged with turning things around for the struggling retailer and replaced Susan McGalla, who was herself ousted after 11 months amid declining sales.

San Francisco -- Costco Wholesale Corp. agreed to pay a $335,000 in penalties federal Clean Air Act violations, according to a settlement announced Wednesday by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Justice. In addition, the retailer will fix refrigerant leaks and make other improvements at 274 of its stores, which EPA estimates will cost about $2 million over the next three years.