Retail

By David F. McDowell, [email protected] and Samantha P. Goodman, [email protected]

Bentonville, Ark. -- Walmart announced that it is committing $5 million in cash and in-kind donations for emergency relief efforts in response to Japan's recent earthquake and resulting tsunami. Also, Walmart operations around the world are planning or have implemented fundraising drives among associates and customers to provide additional relief funds for the victims.

Secaucus, N.J. -- The Children's Place Retail Stores said Wednesday it has appointed James Bruce Marshall as senior VP and managing director, International Business Development, effective March 24. He will report directly to Jane Elfers, president and CEO.

Marshall was previously senior VP and managing director international development and operations, for Claire's Stores, where he was responsible for joint venture and franchise operations across 23 countries.

SECAUCUS, N.J. -- The Children's Place Retail Stores has announced the appointment of James Bruce Marshall as SVP and managing director international business development, effective March 24. He will report directly to Jane Elfers, president and CEO.

San Francisco -- A Wednesday report by Bloomberg said that Google plans to start testing a mobile-payment service at stores in New York and San Francisco within four months.

Citing unnamed sources, Bloomberg said Google will pay to install thousands of special cash-register systems from VeriFone Systems at merchant locations. The plans haven’t yet been made public.

SAN FRANCISCO  -- Levi's announced it has appointed Laurie Etheridge as the global lead of women's merchandising and design.  As SVP women's merchandising and design for the Levi's brand, Etheridge will be responsible for the design, development and merchandising of all of Levi's women's product categories across all its regions. Etheridge joins the company from Perry Ellis International where she leads merchandising and design for women's global fashion brands, including Jantzen, Jag, Perry Ellis and Southpoint.

Pleasanton, Calif. -- Safeway has announced the appointment of T. Gary Rogers to the company's board of directors. The company's board of directors will expand from nine to 10 members with this new appointment.

"Gary's vast experience as a supplier to the grocery industry, his business acumen and experience as a director will be great assets to the board," said Safeway chairman, resident and CEO, Steve Burd. "We are pleased he is joining our board."

Columbus, Ohio -- DSW has announced net income of $18.5 million on net sales of $468.5 million for the fourth quarter ended Jan. 29, compared with net income of $13.4 million on net sales of $402.6 million for the quarter ended Jan. 30, 2010. Same-store sales increased 14.9% for the comparable period versus an increase of 12.9% last year. 

Diluted earnings per share were 41 cents for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 compared with diluted earnings per share of 30 cents last year.