News

Target CIO talks stores, digital, supply chain and more
Mike McNamara, a former executive at British retailer Tesco PLC, joined Target as CIO last summer, moving from London to Minneapolis. In a Q&A on Target’s website, McNamara discusses highlights of his first year with the discounter and priorities going forward. He also spoke about Target’s tech hiring boom.
Target, other retailers answer Louisiana’s call for help after ‘Great Flood of 2016’
Photo: Marko Kokic, Red Cross As the national media continues to largely ignore Louisiana’s cries for help after 6.9 trillion gallons of rain pummeled the southern part of the state between Aug. 8 and Aug. 14, retailers such as Target Corp. have answered the call.

Sephora redefines beauty retail in Toronto

Sephora is opening its first Beauty TIP Workshop concept store in Canada.
Tuesday Morning sees Q4 top-line advances

Citing costs due to strategic rebuilding initiatives, Tuesday Morning Corp. reported a loss of $3.9 million in the fourth quarter ended June 30; however, revenue edged up to $222.8 million and same-store sales increased 6%. According to CEO Steve Becker, pre-announced priorities – including real estate, merchandising, marketing, infrastructure and talent – continue to stay at the forefront of the chain’s activities and have positively impacted top-line performance.
Fred’s promotes Liebmann to new COO pharmacy position

Fred’s on Friday announced that it had promoted its VP pharmacy services, Timothy Liebmann, to the newly created position of COO pharmacy, effective immediately. Liebmann will be succeeding the company’s retiring executive VP pharmacy operations, Rick Chambers.
Hibbett Sports tops Q2 profit forecasts

Hibbett Sports reported fiscal second-quarter net income of $6.5 million, beating Wall Street expectations. The sporting goods retailer posted revenue of $206.9 million in the period, a 3.9% increase but falling short of Street forecasts. Analysts expected $210.1 million. Same-store sales inched up 0.8%.
Eddie Bauer issues data breach alert

Customer data from payment cards used at Eddie Bauer stores from Jan. 2 to July 17 of this year may have been accessed by malware infecting point of sales systems, the company announced. An investigation by a third-party digital forensics firm engaged by Eddie Bauer found that the breach was part of a concerted hack-attack targeting several restaurants, hotels, and retailers.
At Home Depot, a big-ticket surge

Home Depot's chief merchant Ted Decker pointed to solid performance of core maintenance and repair categories, as well as many pro-focused categories during the second quarter. So it's no wonder he said the company was "pleased" with its Q2 results.
Fred’s fills new COO pharmacy position

Fred’s on Friday announced that it had promoted its VP pharmacy services, Timothy Liebmann, to the newly created position of COO pharmacy, effective immediately. Liebmann will be succeeding the company’s retiring executive VP pharmacy operations, Rick Chambers.
Macy’s nabs Toys ‘R’ Us exec as new CMO

Marketing in the department store arena may be new for Rich Lennox, but he’s got plenty of retail marketing experience under his belt. The CMO for Toys “R” Us, who also served in the same capacity for Zales Corp., will take the marketing reins of Macy’s Inc., effective Sept. 15. Lennox, 51, succeeds Martine Reardon, who left Macy’s in May. He will lead a branding and marketing strategy charge across all channels, reporting to president Jeff Gennette.