Sales & Marketing

EMERYVILLE, Calif. — LeapFrog Enterprises has named Ray Arthur as CFO.

Fayetteville, Ark. -- Researchers at the University of Arkansas's business school are looking into the potential for criminals to exploit new retail technologies like mobile coupons and touchless payment, the university said Tuesday.

The researchers, from the university's Walton College of Business, will work with the Retail Industry Leaders Association to address risks associated with the new technologies.

New York -- A survey released Tuesday by the International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman-Sachs found that 42% of U.S. consumers expect to spend more on back-to-school items this year than they did in 2011.

With the back-to-school shopping season already well underway as one-third of households reported that they have begun to shop, ICSC and Goldman-Sachs expect the average household expenditure on all types of back-to-school items will be about $300 this year.

NORWALK, Conn. — LogicSource, a procurement services firm which initially focused on printed materials and related commodities and services, will now offer clients sourcing and procurement of materials for store construction and maintenance, including rollout displays, fixtures, lighting, flooring, mannequins, hangers, gift boxes, bags and exterior signage.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Kmart said Tuesday it is introducing a Halogen Reloadable Prepaid MasterCard by Green Dot.

NEW YORK — Barnes & Noble has announced the appointment of Thomas Donohue as VP treasurer; Kanuj Malhotra as VP corporate development; and the promotion of Andy Milevoj to VP investor relations, all reporting directly to Mike Huseby, CFO.

Two U.S. toy companies have a shot at exclusive distribution with Meijer this holiday season thanks to a innovative contest announced Monday.

The retailer unveiled details of the Meijer Next Great Toymaker contest designed to give two small U.S. toymakers the chance to have their toy receive exclusive distribution on Meijer.com this holiday season.

New York -- Retail sales fell 0.5% in June, the Commerce Department said on Monday, as consumer spending declined for the third consecutive month. The drop, which followed a 0.2% decrease in May, was unexpected as many economists were expecting growth.

Falling gas prices were attributed to some of the weakness. But even excluding sales at gas stations, retail spending fell 0.3% in June. Economists said weak job growth was making consumers cautious and eating away at consumer confidence.