News

Michael Weiss, who started with Express when it was an eight-store operation, will retire as CEO of the 600 plus-store specialty apparel company when its fiscal year ends on January 30, 2015.

He will be succeeded by David Kornberg, 46, president, who will assume the added role of chief executive. Weiss, 73, will remain with Express as nonexecutive chairman of the board.

FreshDirect has tapped longtime public employee Larry Scott Blackmon as the grocery delivery company’s VP, community and government affairs.  
 
In his new position, Blackmon will work to build and expand the company’s community partnerships — especially in New York City’s Bronx borough, where FreshDirect is relocating its office.
 

Indianapolis - Julie Lyle, chief marketing officer of Hhgregg, has been named the 2015 chairperson for the Global Retail Marketing Association (GRMA) Advisory Board, an association for C-level executives from global retailers. As chairperson, Lyle will lead the GRMA Advisory Board and play a key role in the development of the organization’s strategic initiatives and thought leadership.

A new iPad app that allows art enthusiasts to browse and order millions of images from 250,000 artists is a game-changing development for buyers and sellers, according to app developer Pixels.com.

Users are able to browse and preview images on their walls using the iPad's built-in camera, and then purchase the images as framed prints, canvas prints or greeting cards. The free app is the only one to combine photo and artwork sharing with e-commerce and a 3D-like “view on your wall” feature, according to app developer Pixels.com.

Boston - Food is a major driver of the American urban experience. According to a new survey of residents of six major U.S, cities by design firm Sasaki Associates, 82% of urbanites appreciate their city's culinary offerings, and a new restaurant is the top reason the majority of them (46%) would venture to a new part of their city.

Warrendale, Pa. - Specialty apparel retailer Rue21 is upgrading to the latest version of the Epicor Retail Store POS solution. Leveraging Epicor Retail Store, Rue21 will unify the customer experience across e-commerce and brick and mortar locations for simplified, streamlined operations, including returns management, and also support planned growth to 1,700 stores.

The revelation that IBM and Apple would be working together on a new range of mobile solutions is a huge development in its own right, but the landmark deal also promises to have a wide-ranging impact on the retail industry.

Walgreens announced the new Balance Rewards for healthy choices initiatives, which is aimed at helping participants modify behavior risk factors associated with the nation's most pressing public health issues. The initiative marks the first community pharmacy program that includes training based on the methodology of psychologist Dr. B.J. Fogg.