Sales & Marketing

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. — Ahead of the toy industry's annual convention this February, The NPD Group has reported that U.S. retail sales of toys generated $21.18 billion in 2011 compared with $21.68 billion in 2010, a decline of 2%. 

New York City -- Apple Inc. has hired John Browett, CEO of Dixons Retail PLC, the United Kingdom’s largest consumer-electronics retailer, to lead its retail store division. The appointment marks the end of a seven-month search to replace Ron Johnson, who left the world’s most valuable technology company last year to become CEO of J.C. Penney Co.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Kohl’s Department Stores announced that it has partnered with fashion designer Dana Buchman for an exclusive line of Kohl's Cares cause merchandise. The product line includes apparel, accessories and gifts, which can be found in all 40 Wisconsin Kohl’s stores and online at Kohls.com, with 100% of the net profit donated to support the fight against breast cancer. The collection is available now through the end of April.

Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. -- Redbox Automated Retail, a division of Coinstar, announced Tuesday it has renewed its agreement with Walmart to continue featuring Redbox kiosks at more than 3,700 Walmart locations nationwide.

The agreement extends the availability of Redbox kiosks and builds upon the companies' more than five-year relationship, said Redbox.

The first Redbox kiosks were installed in Walmart stores in 2006.
 

Los Angeles -- The Robin Group said Tuesday that Yoav Sarraf has been promoted to VP and director of retail brokerage services.

Sarraf joined TRG in 2008. He was previously director of acquisitions for Brighton Holdings.

San Francisco -- Digital shopping solution-provider Fluid Inc. said Tuesday that it has been selected by Brooks Brothers to leverage Fluid Configure, its product customization platform, to offer its online shoppers custom-tailored shirts and suits.

Brooks Brothers will leverage the technology to create a personalized and engaging shopping experience that will enable customers to tailor product to their exact fit and style preferences.

YORK, Pa. — The Bon-Ton Stores announced Tuesday that its board of directors has elected president and CEO Bud Bergren to the additional role of chairman of the board. The board has also accepted Tim Grumbacher’s resignation as executive chairman of the board. Grumbacher remains a director of the company and was named strategic initiatives officer. Additionally, Brendan Hoffman, recently appointed as president and CEO of the company effective Feb. 7, was elected a director of the company. The actions of the board were taken on Jan.

By Paul Cook, [email protected]