News

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Limited has appointed former Brooks Brothers executive Diane Ellis as the company’s CEO, effective August 26.

Ellis was president and chief operating officer of Brooks Brothers for six years. She oversaw information technology, human resources, retail and outlet stores, planning and allocation, product development, sourcing, supply chain, e-commerce and finance.

Los Angeles – Total spending on at-home entertainment in the U.S. declined 1.4% in the second quarter of this year compared to the same time period last year, according to research by Digital Entertainment Group. Consumers spent $3.94 billion on at-home entertainment in second quarter 2013, compared to $4 billion in second quarter 2012.

Walmart may make a bid for 345 store Hong Kong supermarket chain known as ParknShop that is owned by Hutchison Whampoa, according to a Reuters report that cited people familiar with the matter.

Walmart is often linked to international retailers as a potential acquirer and according to the Reuters report it is among eight potential suitors for ParknShop who have until August 16 to submit preliminary offers.

By Adam Siegel, VP sustainability and retail operations, Retail Industry Leaders Association [email protected]

Max-Wellness, the health and wellness retail concept founded by former OfficeMax CEO Michael Feuer, named VP of finance Tom Mack to the newly created role of SVP and chief financial and administrative officer.

Mack joined the company in the fall of 2011 as controller and was elevated to the vp of finance role last year. Max-Wellness operates six stores, three in the Cleveland area, two in Naples, Fl., and one in nearby Sarasota.

DUBLIN, Calif. — Epicor Software Corporation, a global business software solutions provider for manufacturing, distribution, retail and services organizations, has appointed Noel Goggin as SVP and GM of the Epicor retail solutions business.

Boca Raton, Fla. – Office Depot sent its shareholders a letter this morning urging them to vote for its 10 nominees for the board of directors at its annual shareholders meeting on Aug. 21. The letter says that nominees from activist investor Starboard Value LP could disrupt progress and momentum in the ongoing OfficeMax merger and also prevent future synergies from the merger as well as make excessive cuts in critical business functions.

Officer Depot sent a similar letter to its shareholders on July 29.

ISELIN, N.J. — Maidenform Brands’ reported total net sales of $145.4 million for the second quarter ended June 29, a 7.7% decrease from $157.5 million for the same quarter last year, were in line with the company’s expectations.