Sales & Marketing

MONTVALE, N.J. — Bankrupt grocer A&P, which just revealed plans to shutter 32 stores in six states, has bolstered its merchandising and marketing team with the appointment of six new executives.

A&P filed for bankruptcy in December 2010 and is in the midst of a turnaround aimed at reducing structural operating costs and enhancing value for shoppers. On Feb. 15, the company announced it is seeking court approval to close 32 stores by the end of the company's fiscal first quarter.

The new executives are:

New York City -- J. Crew Group said Wednesday that it did not receive any alternative takeover bids during an 85-day "go shop" period, in which the company sought alternatives to an offer from its former owner.

J. Crew agreed in November to be taken private in a $3 billion deal with two investment firms, TPG Capital and Leonard Green & Partners. It originally had until Jan. 15 to vet other prospects, and that period was extended by a month.

Walmart Canada has selected DiJiPOP to provide on-demand shopper marketing technology solutions for its e-commerce site and to help power digital shelf space monetization efforts. DiJiPOP’s solution will complement Walmart Canada’s current advertiser program and provide a fully automated platform to more effectively connect brand marketing dollars with digital shelf space while integrating with the retailer’s existing proprietary vendor portal. Doing so will allow suppliers to reserve premium shelf space on the site.

London -- A survey released Thursday said sales growth at Britain's Tesco PLC, the world's third biggest retailer, will outpace its major international rivals -- including Wal-Mart Stores -- in coming years as it expands in Asia, the Associated Press reported.

The report by London-based food and grocery analyst IGD says that Tesco will grow its business at a compound annual rate of 7.5% between 2010 and 2015, taking sales to euro106 billion ($143 billion).

CINCINNATI — Supermarket giant Kroger announced company EVP, Don Becker, died Wednesday after suffering an aneurysm. He was 62 years old.

Seattle -- Nordstrom announced today it has entered into an agreement to acquire HauteLook, a leader in the online private sale marketplace. The company said the acquisition will enable Nordstrom to participate in the fast-growing private sale marketplace and provide a platform to increase innovation and speed in the way it serves customers in all channels.

New York City -- The National Retail Federation said Thursday that it expects retail sales growth of 4% this year, the biggest increase since 2006.

However, the group warned that shoppers are likely to remain cautious as they cope with slow job growth and rising prices.

The NRF said it expects retail sales to reach $2.47 trillion in 2011, up from $2.37 trillion in 2010, excluding automobiles, fuel and restaurants.

Cincinnati -- Kroger Co. announced late Wednesday that executive VP Donald E. Becker died Wednesday after suffering an aneurysm. He was 62 years old.

Becker started with Kroger as a clerk in 1969 in the Cincinnati-Dayton area and worked his way up to hold several leadership positions. In 2004, he became executive VP, a role in which he led the company's merchandising and purchasing among other duties, the company said in a statement.