Retail

William Disbrow and Jim Sampey, former executives with Valpak/Cox Target Media, have joined Sterling Payment Technologies to grow Sterling’s loyalty products and a mobile initiative branded as Perkz.

Disbrow and Sampey were both longtime former executives at Valpak/Cox Target Media who held C-level positions.

New York -- Stirling Properties has opened the Mid-City Market in New Orleans, the firm’s largest group-up retail development in the city. A 54,390-sq.-ft Winn-Dixie anchors the 108,763-sq.-ft. shopping center. Stirling estimates that the center will generate annual retail sales of more than $61 million.

Facebook is taking another step toward monetizing its vast audience of plugged-in consumers with the planned introduction of paid video ads. As reported in numerous media outlets, Facebook intends to launch 15-second video ads that will play in a user’s newsfeed three times per day for as much $2.5 million per spot.

Broomfield, Colo. -- TCBY Yogurt and Mrs. Fields Cookies parent Famous Brands International said it has appointed Michael Chao as CFO, effective immediately.  

Chao was previously VP finance, treasury and investor relations for Vail Resorts.

Famous Brands also announced the reappointment of David Barr to its board of directors. Barr, who is currently chairman of the board for Rita Restaurants and Australian jewelry company The Jewellery Group, was CFO and CEO of the Great American Cookie Co., which was sold to Mrs. Fields in 1998.

Boca Raton, Fla. – Office Depot has filed a presentation with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which the retailer says demonstrates the importance of shareholders electing its board’s nominees at the company’s annual meeting on Aug. 21.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — nGage Labs, Inc., a leading provider of in-store shopper engagement solutions for retailers, has appointed Peter Charness as president; Nancy Terzolani as SVP of client experience and Larry Negrich as VP of marketing. 

They will be charged with leading the company in its next phase of growth.

Franklin, Tenn. – More than $11.6 billion of retail IT spending, or 35% of the total, will come from budgets other than that of the CIO. Of that total “black ops” IT spend, $6.6 billion will come from the activities of the CMO and their purchases of hardware, software, SaaS, and services outside of the CIO budget.

SAN DIEGO — Petco is leveraging social media to engage existing customers, entice new ones and, as part of its mission statement, help out shelters in need with its “Be a Great One” contest.