Sales & Marketing

Armonk, N.Y. -- Consumers are looking for a more personalized shopping experience, and are willing to share select details about themselves with their favorite retailers to help educate brands on exactly how, when and where to approach them, according to the third annual consumer survey by IBM.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — In an unexpected turn of events, Brian Cornell is stepping down as Sam’s Club president and CEO and will be replaced by Rosalind Brewer who currently serves as president of the Walmart U.S. East business unit. The company announced a number of other senior personnel changes as well in advance of new fiscal year.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway announced Friday that Tom Keller, president of the company's Vons Division, will retire after more than 40 years of distinguished service in the food industry. He will leave his post on Feb. 1. Gary Rocheleau, currently VP retail merchandising execution, will lead the Vons Division on an interim basis.

Beaumont, Texas -- Conn’s announced that it plans to close five underperforming stores during January 2012.

“The closing of the five stores this month is a continuation of our previously communicated plan to evaluate our existing store base and close or relocate underperforming stores. Additionally, we are progressing on our plans to open five to seven new stores in fiscal 2013, in areas with compelling demographic characteristics that we believe are favorable to our business model,” commented Theodore Wright, the company’s CEO.

Cleveland -- Forest City Commercial Management today announced the launch of 15 redesigned retail center websites. The new sites feature enhanced interactive shopping, social media experiences and content from PlaceWise Media’s Shoptopia.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — H-E-B is committed to improve the health of its customers by providing them with fresh, healthy and affordable food, and by supporting their healthy eating and weight-loss goals.

Matt Kistler is in a relatively new role at Walmart as SVP of merchandise execution and to explain what that means he is on the agenda for an upcoming event presented by Doing Business in Bentonville.

Kistler is scheduled to speak on February 8 at the DBB event which runs from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and will be held at the John Q. Hammons Center. He is expected to provide an overview of Walmart’s merchandise services unit that was created last year.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores announced a series of  management changes that include an unexpected change in leadership at Sam’s Club, and a new chief information officer. The retailer said Sam's Club president and CEO Brian Cornell, 52, is resigning so that he and his wife can move back to the Northeast for family reasons. His departure comes as Sam’s has experienced strong sales growth.