News

Lane Bryant exec lands top role at HoneyBaked Ham
The former CEO of the nation’s top plus-size apparel chains will soon head up a food retailer. Just days after it was revealed that Linda Heasely had left her position as chief executive of Ascena Retail Group’s Lane Bryant and Catherine’s, Honey Baked Ham Company announced that it had appointed her as its new CEO, effective Feb. 6, 2017.
Walgreens CEO: Company in 'active discussions' to get approval for Rite Aid deal
With the deadline for the deal set to expire Friday, Jan. 27, Walgreens Boots Alliance CEO Stefano Pessina told shareholders attending the Walgreens Boots Alliance annual meeting Thursday morning that the board of directors for both Walgreens and Rite Aid were in "active" discussions toward getting the deal approved even as the Federal Trade Commission continues to deliberate over the proposed retail pharmacy merger.

Layoffs at Abercrombie

Abercrombie & Fitch is in cost-cutting mode. The teen apparel retailer has let go 150 employees at its headquarters in New Albany, Ohio, Columbus Business First reported. The retailer said the layoffs were part of its “ongoing cost reduction initiatives,” according to the report.
Founder sells Art Van Furniture to private equity firm

The owner of one of the largest independent furniture chains in the country has sold his company to a private equity firm approximately 58 years after he founded it.
Here’s one company not singing the holiday blues

EBay Inc. reported its fourth consecutive quarter of sales gains amid a successful holiday, which saw it run its first-ever U.S. television commercial. The online marketplace said that sales for the fourth quarter rose 3% to $2.4 billion. Net income rose to $5.94 billion, fueled by a $4.6 billion income tax benefit.
Warby Parker, Palo Alto, Calif.

Warby Parker has set up shop in downtown Palo Alto in a Spanish Colonial Revival building built in 1927. The hot eyewear retailer has a knack for combining its signature library-inspired design details, which include walnut shelving, terrazzo tiled flooring, and plush leather seating, with unique elements in each location. In Palo Alto, a mural of original illustrations by artist Maira Kalman adds color and a touch of humor.
First Look: Lululemon opens London flagship

Lululemon Athletica has opened a community-centric, European flagship on Regent Street in London. The two-level, 6,344-sq.-ft. store is the brand’s second largest in the world, second only to its New York flagship. Designed by Dalziel & Pow, London, the new Lululemon combines the latest in technology with a locally-inspired design and community experiences. A palette of greys and marbles with hints of bronze help make for a soothing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city streets.
Target lobbies against tax proposal

Although it’s only one of many tax proposals being floating around, the so-called border adjustment tax has raised a red flag among many retailers. The CEO of Target Corp., Brian Cornell, recently visited Washington to lobby against the House Republican proposal, according to Fortune, which noted the visit was first reported by Politico.
Fast-growing home décor retailer taps Sally Beauty exec as chief marketer

At Home has appointed veteran marketer Ashley Sheetz as chief marketing officer. Sheetz was formerly chief marketing officer and group VP at Sally Beauty, where she led a turn-around strategy to reposition and modernize the brand. Prior to that, Sheetz held a variety of marketing leadership roles at GameStop before being appointed chief marketing officer in 2012.
$33 million renovation planned for Hawaii’s largest mall

Washington Prime Group has announced a $33 million renovation plan of Pearlridge Center in Aiea, Hawaii, near Pearl Harbor. The 1.2 million-sq.-ft. property is the largest retail center in the state, consisting of Uptown and Downtown complexes joined by a monorail.