News

SAN FRANCISCO  -- Levi's announced it has appointed Laurie Etheridge as the global lead of women's merchandising and design.  As SVP women's merchandising and design for the Levi's brand, Etheridge will be responsible for the design, development and merchandising of all of Levi's women's product categories across all its regions. Etheridge joins the company from Perry Ellis International where she leads merchandising and design for women's global fashion brands, including Jantzen, Jag, Perry Ellis and Southpoint.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Sam's Club,  the official supplier of the Kansas City Barbeque Society, is sponsoring its first national BBQ tour and is awarding $400,000 in prize money -- a first for competitive barbeque. 

PITTSBURGH -- National Runner's Month is back this May at Dick's Sporting Goods. As part of its celebration of runners, the company announced that it will be a major sponsor at ten premiere running events in metro cities across the country. In addition, the month-long running celebration will be surrounded by a comprehensive marketing program that includes the announcement of three widely respected running ambassadors, a major charity initiative, social and digital media elements along with running specials and promotions throughout May.

SECAUCUS, N.J. -- The Children's Place Retail Stores has announced the appointment of James Bruce Marshall as SVP and managing director international business development, effective March 24. He will report directly to Jane Elfers, president and CEO.

MINNEAPOLIS -- After all the flak it got for its political contributions -- even losing a deal with Lady Gaga over it -- Target this year was still recognized as one of the world's most ethical companies.

CHiCAGO --  Walmart has succeeded in bringing its smaller format store concept to Chicago, helping to make the case that the retailer can find success in more urban markets, including New York, which has thus far eluded the retailer. The company announced that it has secured locations in West Englewood for a Walmart Market and Walmart Express store.  According to the company, West Englewood is in the heart of a food desert and one of Chicago’s most underserved communities. 

San Francisco -- A Wednesday report by Bloomberg said that Google plans to start testing a mobile-payment service at stores in New York and San Francisco within four months.

Citing unnamed sources, Bloomberg said Google will pay to install thousands of special cash-register systems from VeriFone Systems at merchant locations. The plans haven’t yet been made public.

Camp Hill, Pa. -- The Rite Aid Foundation announced Wednesday that it was donating $50,000 to the American Red Cross -- Japan earthquake fund.

“Our hearts go out to the victims, families and communities affected by this devastating tragedy,” Rite Aid Foundation president Mary Sammons said. “We are proud to partner with the American Red Cross and assist them in their mission of helping the people of Japan in their time of need.”

Bentonville, Ark. -- Walmart announced that it is committing $5 million in cash and in-kind donations for emergency relief efforts in response to Japan's recent earthquake and resulting tsunami. Also, Walmart operations around the world are planning or have implemented fundraising drives among associates and customers to provide additional relief funds for the victims.

Anaheim, Calif. -- Pacific Sunwear of California announced that total sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 were $263 million, a decrease of 10% from total sales of $293 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009. Total company same-store sales decreased 7% during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010.

The company reported a net loss of $35 million, or 53 cents per share, for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 compared with a net loss of $36 million, or 56 cents per share, for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.