News

Target is among the key sponsors of a Kids in Need Foundation event slated for this fall in Minneapolis. The company, along with fellow Minneapolis-based supplier 3M, is supporting the organization’s annual cocktail reception and fundraising dinner to be held September 21 at The Depot from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The guest speaker at the event is former OfficeMax chairman and CEO Sam Duncan.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Samantha Brown, the popular Travel Channel host, has partnered with HSN to launch Samantha Brown Luggage, her first-ever exclusive collection of travel gear. 

"I want to help travelers simplify their lives as they experience the world with luggage that's functional and fashionable at accessible price points," said Brown.

HERSHEY, Pa. — Kevin Walling has joined confectioner Hershey's team as its SVP and chief people officer, effective June 1.

In his new role, Walling will serve as the chief architect for Hershey’s human resources, talent retention, development and recruitment, as well as total rewards strategies.

Walling, who joins Hershey from global technology and manufacturing company Kennametal, will report to Hershey president and CEO David West.

New York City -- Wal-Mart Stores may give up its quest to buy a controlling stake in South Africa’s Massmart Holdings Ltd., if South Africa forces local procurement conditions on the retailers, the companies said, the Associated Press reported.

By Paul Bridgewater, [email protected]

Consumers remain skittish. Despite recent positive economic signs, the latest Gallup U.S. consumer spending report shows that routine daily expenditures at restaurants, gas stations and online stores are still down from their 2008 highs, falling to $58 per day in January 2011, versus $97 for the same month three years earlier.

NEW YORK — Safeway’s store in the Georgetown section of Washington, D.C., has earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The 71,067-sq.-ft. store is the grocer’s second LEED-certified store, and the first LEED certified store in D.C.

ELMWOOD PARK, N.J. — The Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) board of directors has announced the departure of Steve Berger as president and CEO of CHA. The board of directors will immediately begin a search for a new chief executive. No timetable has been set for securing a replacement. In the interim, Tony Lee, VP meetings and expositions, will serve as acting president and CEO.

One of the more interesting developments in the retail industry is set to unfold in a series of small towns along the Western edge of Arkansas where Walmart is set open the first of its experimental small formats.