Sales & Marketing

Bentonville, Ark. -- Judge Charles R. Breyer of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California has ruled against a request by plaintiffs in a gender discrimination suit against Wal-Mart who were seeking certification of a class-action suit against the mass merchandise giant. Referring to a 2012 Supreme Court decision about limitations on class-action suits, Breyer ruled that the individual situations of the plaintiffs are too different to be grouped into a single class-action suit.

NEWARK, Del. — The Produce Marketing Association has appointed Cathy Green Burns as the association’s president, effective December 1, as part of its continued restructuring of the senior leadership team. 

In her new role, Green Burns will focus initially on leading board and staff team development as well as lending her insight to business development activities. She will report to PMA CEO Bryan Silbermann, who previously held both president and CEO positions.

Boston – Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick has signed a bill authorizing a sales tax holiday in Massachusetts for the upcoming weekend of Aug. 10. The bill gives consumers a one-time break on the state’s 6.25% sales tax on any ordinarily taxed retail items individually worth up to $2,500. The break does not extend to vehicles, motor boats, tobacco, meals and utilities.

Massachusetts did not offer a sales tax holiday in 2009 but otherwise has designated one weekend in August as a sales tax holiday every year since 2004.

Efforts to revitalize the J.C. Penney brand are now under the leadership of Debra Berman, a former Kraft and advertising executive who was named SVP of marketing at the struggling retailer.

Berman most recently served as vp of marketing strategy and engagement at Kraft where she was responsible for marketing strategy and engagement, directing global brand strategy and customer engagement for all Kraft-owned brands and leading Kraft's marketing communications Center of Excellence.

Framingham, Mass. – Discount retailers TJ Maxx and Saks Off Fifth outlets are reportedly planning to enter the online sales arena this year. According to Reuters, TJ Maxx parent company TJX Cos. will be making its second attempt at launching a TJ Maxx e-commerce site after a failed attempt in 2005 that cost the company $15 million.

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 – Verizon Wireless has partnered with All-Rite Construction Company to launch the flagship store of its new Viva Movil premium retail banner aimed at Latino customers. Located in Brooklyn,N.Y., the 3,000-sq.-ft. store features sleek, ultra-modern interiors, lounge-like atmosphere and immersive media displays. The intent is to provide in-store customers with an integrated omni-channel experience.

Winston-Salem, N.C. — A new Krispy Kreme Doughnut Factory will open in Roswell, Ga., in early September, marking the start of an expansion effort across the metro area. The new shop will replace the existing Roswell shop and introduce the company’s updated design to the area.

Construction plans are currently underway for approved sites in Doraville, Smyrna and Stockbridge. Krispy Kreme is also working to secure sites in Decatur and Duluth.