Supply Chain & Merchandising

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — Staples has promoted Christine Komola to CFO effective Feb. 1, 2012. She will report to John Mahoney, Staples’ vice chairman. The responsibilities of the CFO will transition to Komola the next year.

BOCA RATON, Fla. — Office Depot has fired the president of its international business for "having an improper relationship."

Charlie Brown, president of the international division, has left the organization, effective Monday, the company announced in a press release.

Covington, La. -- Stirling Properties said Monday that River Chase Shopping Center Phase Two, which broke ground in August, has added eight new national tenants that will bring 85,000 sq. ft. of retail space to River Chase as part of an expansion to the development’s existing shopping center. All stores are expected to open spring 2012.

New York City -- Office Depot will celebrate the grand opening of its new store in Austin, Texas, on Sept. 27.

The new store features a number of upgrades designed with the customer in mind, including colorful and clear signage, and carpeted floors for a warmer feel. The floor plan is simple to navigate with a layout that is intuitive, logical and convenient for the customer to shop.

CINCINNATI — While research groups are predicting various results for holiday spending, such retailers as Macy's Inc. are hoping that expectations for increased spending will prove to be right and are boosting seasonal hiring in preparation. Macy’s Inc. said it plans to hire approximately 78,000 seasonal associates for its Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s stores, call centers, distribution centers and online fulfillment centers nationwide for the 2011 holiday season.

New York City -- Retailers should expect small gains in 2011 holiday sales, Deloitte forecast on Monday. The company’s retail & distribution practice expects total holiday sales to reach between $873 and $877 billion, representing a 2.5 to 3% increase over last season.