News

ABILENE, Kan. — Alco Stores announced that the company will move its corporate headquarters from Abilene, Kansas, to Coppell, Texas, a suburb of Dallas.

In making the announcement, CEO Rich Wilson said, "Today's challenging business climate and highly competitive retail landscape require that we locate our headquarters in a metropolitan center. The Dallas location provides easy access to many of our stores, other major retailers and transportation for our employees and business partners."

OAK BROOK, Ill. — Toy manufacturer, Tomy International has promoted Gregory Kilrea to president and CEO and Masayuki Nagatake to COO. The board of directors of Tomy Company, Ltd. has approved these appointments as Curtis Stoelting resigns from his positions as CEO and director of TOMY Company, Ltd. to pursue other business opportunities. 

Kilrea has been with the company since 2004, having served most recently as president of Tomy International, and prior to that as the company's EVP and COO.

Washington, D.C. -- The National Retail Federation issued a statement on Tuesday in support of the International Longshoreman’s Association’s approval of a new long-term master labor contract covering port terminal operations along the East and Gulf Coast ports.

By Rafi Musher, [email protected]

New York -- A Wednesday report by Reuters said that Jerry Murray, the Wal-Mart finance VP who called the chain's early February sales "a total disaster" in an email made public by Bloomberg, has left the company, effective April 5.

Wal-Mart Stores has confirmed the report, telling Reuters that it was Murray's decision to leave and that his last day at Wal-Mart was Friday.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Grocers Association has named Keri Askew Bailey as SVP government relations and public policy, effective immediately.

In this newly created position, Bailey will assume responsibility for creating and managing an aggressive public policy program through the development and facilitation of coalitions with CGA membership, ally associations, chambers of commerce, and other interested parties.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears Holdings has launched a new business unit that will focus on the development of entertainment-driven fashion and lifestyle brands. The unit, called Shop Your Way brands, will be lead by Bernt Ullmann and his team from Star Branding, whose partners include Tommy Hilfiger, Andy Hilfiger, and Joe Lamastra.

BELLEVUE, Wash. — Kitchenware manufacturer, Rena Ware International, has announced that Benjamin J. Zylstra will succeed his father, Russell J. Zylstra , as CEO of the company.  Russ Zylstra will remain as chairman of the board of Rena Ware and will continue to be involved in defining the direction and vision of the company.