Sales & Marketing

PARK CITY, Utah -- Skullcandy, a manufacturer of performance headphones, has named Rick Alden, the company's founder, former CEO and a current director, as Interim CEO. Jeremy Andrus has decided to step down from his positions as resident and CEO and a company director to join a private investment firm. He will serve as a consultant to the company over the next 12 months.

Seattle -- Sur La Table said Thursday it has promoted Jacob Maurer to the position of SVP – general merchandising manager for the kitchen goods chain.

The promotion is effective immediately, and will put Maurer in charge of all merchandise buying and product development functions for the company.

Chicago -- Claire's Stores announced Friday that Dina Keenan has been appointed global SVP and chief marketing officer, effectively immediately.

Keenan’s experience in marketing strategy, brand development, advertising and retail include stints at Bath & Body Works, Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salons & Spas, and Bozell Worldwide.

One of the initial focuses for Keenan will be to align her organization to support the global brand needs of Claire's and Icing, the company said.

Fort Worth, Texas -- In an unexpected move, RadioShack said late Thursday that Walgreen Co. divisional president Joseph Magnacca will take the helm of the beleaguered consumer electronics chain as its new CEO.

CHICAGO — Most Valentine's Day celebrants plan to shop a week or less before the holiday, and many wait until Feb. 13 or 14 to make their final purchases, according to research by the NPD Group, a leading global information company.

PAWTUCKET, R.I. — Heading into the toy industry's largest trade show next week, toy manufacturer, Hasbro, reported net revenues of $1.28 billion for the fourth quarter of 2012, compared with $1.33 billion in 2011. The company reported net earnings for the quarter of $130.3 million or 99 cents per diluted share.

Net revenues for the full-year 2012 were $4.09 billion compared with $4.29 billion in 2011. 

Net earnings for the full-year 2012 were $336 million, or $2.55 per diluted share, versus $385.4 million, or $2.82 per diluted share, in 2011.

Traffic trends at Walmart and other major retailers declined in December even though e-commerce sales set new records in the fourth quarter and throughout 2012.

Oak Brook, Ill. -- McDonald's Corp. reported Friday that global same-store sales decreased 1.9% in January, hurt by weakened performance outside the U.S.

By segment, comps in the U.S. rose 0.9%, but decreased 2.1% in Europe and dropped 9.5% in the Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa.
 
Systemwide sales for the month increased 0.3%, or 0.7% in constant currencies.