Retail

DAVENPORT, Iowa — Von Maur Department Store has announced the promotion of Joy Place to VP merchandising, effective immediately. She will report directly to Melody Westendorf, chief operating officer of Von Maur.

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — Staples announced that it is offering small business owners the chance to win up to $50,000 in free television advertising in their home market through its “Give Your Small Business the Push It Needs” contest.

Woodland Hills, Calif. — Great American Group, a provider of asset disposition, valuation and appraisal services, has appointed Mike Wyse to a new VP position at the company.

In the new role, Wyse will focus on generating revenue through the cross-promotion of all Great American Group’s services with an emphasis on the retail services sector. 

NEW YORK — The National Retail Federation has announced the newest executives elected to serve on its board of directors. The announcement was made during NRF's 101st Annual Convention in New York.
Each new board member will serve a three-year term. Macy’s Inc. chairman, president and CEO Terry Lundgren was re-elected to serve another full-year as  chairman of the NRF Board. 

The new executives elected to serve on NRF board of directors include:

• Thomas Belk, chairman and CEO, Belk Inc.

QUINCY, Mass. — Stop & Shop has reintroduced its Guaranteed Value product line in an effort to help customers on a budget.

The line, which includes about 200 items, touts prices that are an average of 20% to 25% less than national brands. What's more, 60% of the items cost $2 or less. What's more, packaging for items that are part of Guaranteed Value have undergone a makeover, with the yellow, blue and red packaging being replaced with a bright orange and white design that highlights the value offered with each product.

PLANO, Texas — Another former Apple executive has joined the ranks at JCPenney. The company announced Wednesday that Kristen Blum, a former director of supply chain and International retail for Apple Inc., has been named EVP and chief technology officer, effective Jan. 23. 

Blum reports to COO Mike Kramer, and has responsibility for the  company's JCP.com business and information technology systems.

BENSALEM, Pa. — Charming Shoppes announced that Elizabeth Crystal has joined Lane Bryant as SVP, chief marketing officer.

Crystal will develop and lead the brand positioning, marketing, and advertising strategies for the Lane Bryant and Cacique brands. She will serve as the brand strategist, working with senior leadership to elevate and expand the brand's presence, the company said.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target announced that it has temporarily suspended its efforts to sell its credit card receivables portfolio. The company said it remains committed to selling the portfolio on appropriate terms, but based on discussions with potential partners the company has determined that it is not in its best interests to finalize a transaction at this time.