News Briefs

[READ MORE: Malibu Barbie Café opens in NYC — awash in pink]

The nation’s second-largest bookstore chain is giving new titles to two internal real estate executives while also bringing a new real estate manager on board.

Books-A-Million has promoted Rick Franz to executive VP of real estate and Jack Fleming to VP of real estate at Books-A-Million. Since joining Books-A-Million in 2024 as a consultant, Franz has provided strategic insight and leadership to the real estate department. 

In his new role, Franz will continue to lead store positioning and growth. He previously served as VP of real estate at Ulta Beauty, Wild Oats Markets, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Fleming, who has served as real estate manager in Books-A-Million’s Preferred Growth Properties real estate subsidiary for the past three years, will focus on managing Books-A-Million's existing assets while continuing to identify opportunities for new store openings. His previous experience includes serving in the financial services department of First Citizens Bank.

In addition, Books-A-Million hired Pete Turner as real estate manager in April 2025. Since graduating from Auburn University in 2020, Turner was a commercial underwriter at Regions Bank. 

These real estate appointments follow Books-A-Million’s appointment of Brandon Waters, a veteran technology executive with more than 15 years of experience at the retailer, as CIO in February 2025.

[READ MORE: Books-A-Million takes same-day delivery national with Walmart]

"Please join us in congratulating Rick and Jack, and welcoming Pete," Books-A-Million said in a statement. "As Books-A-Million continues to expand and innovate, we are confident that their leadership will play a pivotal role in our continued success."

Books-A-Million operates more than 200 stores in 32 states as well as its e-commerce site, Booksamillion.com.

RH has tapped a retail veteran for her second stint at the company. 

The luxe home furnishings retailer has appointed Lisa Chi as president, co-chief merchandising and creative officer, reporting to RH chairman and CEO Gary Friedman. Chi joins RH from furniture retailer Arhaus, where she served as chief merchandising officer. Prior to joining Arhaus in 2021, she was senior VP of merchandising for upholstery at RH, leading merchandising, inventory planning, sourcing and manufacturing.

"We are honored to welcome Lisa back to Team RH as we continue to elevate and expand our product and platform,” stated Friedman. “Lisa’s accomplishments while at Arhaus were impressive as she led the merchandising organization during a period of rapid growth, exceeding the billion-dollar mark during her tenure.”

In her new position, Chi will co-lead product development, merchandising, inventory planning, sourcing, manufacturing and marketing, across the company’s physical, print and digital platforms with Eri Chaya, RH president, co-chief merchandising & creative officer and member of the RH board.

"I’m thrilled to be rejoining Team RH,” stated Chi. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Gary, Eri, and the leadership team as we continue to build one of the most inspiring brands of our time.”

Family Dollar has named a familiar face as its new leader as it prepares to become a standalone company.

Dollar Tree Inc., in partnership with Brigade Capital Management and Macellum Capital Management, said that Duncan MacNaughton will serve as chairman and CEO of Family Dollar following the close of the previously announced divestiture. Jason Nordin, who joined joined the company in October 2023 as chief of stores for Dollar Tree, will continue as president of Family Dollar.

In March, Dollar Tree Inc. entered into a deal to sell its struggling Family Dollar business to Brigade Capital and Macellum Capital for $1 billion.  The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025. 

McNaughton previously served as president and COO of Family Dollar from 2017 to 2019. In April, it was announced he would rejoin Family Dollar as chairman.  Naughton’s more than 30-year career in retail includes leadership positions at Albertsons, H-E-B, Walmart and Supervalu. (At Walmart, he was executive VP, chief merchandising and marketing officer.)

"MacNaughton is a seasoned retail executive with more than 30 years of experience leading large-scale businesses through growth and transformation," Dollar Tree said in a release. 

Nordin, who has been leading the stand-up of the new Family Dollar organization, will work closely with MacNaughton to guide Family Dollar’s long-term strategic direction and operational execution, the company said in a statement.

“This leadership structure brings together two highly experienced and complementary leaders who share a deep commitment to Family Dollar’s success,” said Mike Creedon, CEO of Dollar Tree Inc. “Duncan’s leadership experience and passion for value retail, combined with Jason’s strategic and operational expertise, position Family Dollar for a strong future as an independent company.”

Join Chain Store Age today, May 20, at 11 a.m. (EDT) for a webinar, "Retail's Evolving Landscape," that will highlight findings from the 2025 Store Experience Study, including where retailers are placing big tech bets to ensure their stores thrive. 

Retail experts Nikki Baird from Aptos and Lee Holman from IHL Group will explore key trends and priorities shaping retail strategies to enhance customer experiences and boost profitability. CSA senior tech editor Dan Berthiaume will moderate the discussion.

Highlights will include:

• Key tech priorities for 2025 and beyond;
• Role of the store;
• How emerging technologies like AI and RFID are transforming retail;
• The critical role of modern POS in unifying commerce and driving results; and more. 

To register for the webinar, click here.

Pottery Barn is taking a trip across the pond.

Pottery Barn, part of Williams-Sonoma Inc., will launch in the United Kingdom during the fall of 2025. The company’s UK website will offer customers a curated selection of furniture, bedding, lighting and decorative accessories.

Williams-Sonoma already has a presence in the U.K., operating two West Elm stores in London. It also sells Pottery Barn Kids’ merchandise at John Lewis department stores.

“We are committed to long-term growth and expanding the reach of our brands where we see meaningful market opportunity,” said Laura Alber, president and CEO, Williams-Sonoma. “We believe great design and quality craftsmanship have universal appeal and we look forward to bringing Pottery Barn’s signature aesthetic to the UK.”

The Pottery Barn UK launch will also introduce Pottery Barn's complimentary design services to customers looking for personalized interior styling assistance both at home and online.

“Our curated assortment for the UK market celebrates Pottery Barn’s commitment to helping customers inspire great style for spaces small and large that are beautiful and functional,” said Pottery Barn president, Monica Bhargava. “Whether furnishing a new flat, refreshing a family home, or entertaining with family and friends or thoughtful gifting, we are proud to be providing the UK market with thoughtfully designed pieces that meet the needs of modern living.”