Supply Chain & Merchandising

CHICAGO -- SMS Assist announced that Matthew Pitts has been named COO of the technology- driven facilities maintenance company.

Pitts previously served as VP of building services for The Home Depot. During his two decade career at the home improvement chain, Pitts created retailer’s highly regarded in-house facilities management organization, overseeing more than 2,000 stores and more than $1 billion in annual facilities maintenance spend.

DODGEVILLE, Wis. — Lands' End has announced the promotion of Tim Martin to COO/CFO, and Chris Kolbe to brand president.  

As the leader of operations and finance for Lands' End, Martin will oversee all aspects of financial planning and inventory management for the brand's global business. He most recently served as SVP, CFO.

SECAUCUS, N.J. — The Children's Place Retail Stores has announced the appointment of Peter Warner as SVP global sourcing, effective immediately. Warner will report to Eric Bauer, COO, and will serve as a member of the company's senior leadership team. He will be responsible for the global sourcing and production functions, technical services and Asian operations.

Washington, D.C. -- A report released Friday by the Commerce Dept. showed that consumer spending in the U.S. slowed in August, impacted by falling incomes and sporadic hiring.

Commerce Dept. figures showed that purchases edged up 0.2% after a 0.7% increase in July. However, a 0.2% increase in prices wiped out the slight spending gain. Incomes dipped 0.1%, the first decline since October 2009.

Toano, Va. -- Flooring retailer Lumber Liquidators said Friday it will acquire certain assets of Sequoia Floorings in order to strengthen its mill-direct relationships and shore up its long-term sourcing strategies.

Sequoia, a trading company, had provided product quality and development services on approximately 40% of Lumber Liquidators’ 2010 merchandise purchases, primarily those in Asia.

WESTBOROUGH, Mass. — BJ's Wholesale Club officially is owned by Leonard Green & Partners and CVC Capital Partners, just a few weeks after the retailer's stockholders approved the agreement.

BJ's was required in an all-cash transaction valued at $51.25 per share, or $2.8 billion.

BJ’s common stock will be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange prior to the opening of business on Monday, Oct. 3, the companies said.

The deal was announced in late June after months of speculation. BJ’s board of directors unanimously approved the agreement.

Seattle -- Nordstrom announced plans to open a new Nordstrom Rack in Temecula, Calif.

The 35,700-sq-ft, store is scheduled to open during spring 2012 at Commons at Temecula, a regional shopping center. It will occupy the former Linens 'n Things space.
 

Columbus, Ohio -- Information sharing,  expense benchmarking, innovative technologies, energy management systems, disaster preparedness and international facility management were ranked as the most important agenda topics by attendees at FacilitySource’s 5th annual Leadership Symposium, on Sept. 19-22.