Data & Analytics

A letter that surfaced last week from Target executives to the company’s suppliers brought back memories of Tom Hanks signature line from the movie A League of Their Own about how there is no crying in baseball.

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.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — After weeks of speculation, Kodak and its U.S. subsidiaries officially filed voluntary petitions for Chapter 11 business reorganization.

SAN BRUNO, Calif. — Walmart is offering consumers the chance to get their product sold on Walmart.com and in Walmart stores in its new contest, "Get on the Shelf."

The nationwide contest is the latest announcement from @WalmartLabs and similar to the popular American Idol television show, contestants will create videos of their latest inventions and the public will vote online for the winners.

DALLAS — JCPenney Co. will host a two-part launch event where senior management will outline its much-anticipated plan of transformation on the mornings of Jan. 25 and Jan. 26 in New York City.

PLANO, Texas — Another former Apple executive has joined the ranks at JCPenney. The company announced Wednesday that Kristen Blum, a former director of supply chain and International retail for Apple Inc., has been named EVP and chief technology officer, effective Jan. 23. 

Blum reports to COO Mike Kramer, and has responsibility for the  company's JCP.com business and information technology systems.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target announced that it has temporarily suspended its efforts to sell its credit card receivables portfolio. The company said it remains committed to selling the portfolio on appropriate terms, but based on discussions with potential partners the company has determined that it is not in its best interests to finalize a transaction at this time.

Woodland Hills, Calif. — Great American Group, a provider of asset disposition, valuation and appraisal services, has appointed Mike Wyse to a new VP position at the company.

In the new role, Wyse will focus on generating revenue through the cross-promotion of all Great American Group’s services with an emphasis on the retail services sector.