Chain Store Age Executive Fax articles from February 2003

Chain Store Age Executive Fax archives from February 2003

New stores, new markets.(multiple companies)(Brief Article)
February 28, 2003... Ace Hardware leased space in Phoenix at Cinema Park Shopping Center.... Stop & Shop is coming to South Brunswick (N.J.) Shopping Center later this year.... A Carnival Food Store will open this weekend in Dallas, its third store to open in...

Do Ahold, Kmart woes call for a change in vendor allowances?(Koninklijke Ahold N.V., Kmart Corp.)
February 28, 2003... Should retailers be permitted to accept and record financial bonuses for selling merchandise before it's in the customers' hand? Not if they fail to account for them properly, as did Ahold and Kmart, whose current problems are largely the...

Saks adding FAO boutiques in stores.(Saks Inc., FAO Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 28, 2003... FAO, Inc.'s plan to emerge from bankruptcy is based on fewer physical store leases but more national prominence. The specialty retailer teamed with Saks, Inc.'s department store group this week in a move that will bring licensed toy shops...

Federated gives Lundgren CEO post.(Federated Department Stores Inc., Terry Lundgren appointed chief executive officer, president )(Brief Article)
February 28, 2003... Terry Lundgren was appointed chief executive and president of Federated Department Stores, a move it says was part of a long-planned management transition. He replaces James Zimmerman, who will continue as chairman. Lundgren most recently was...

Pacific Sunwear. (People in the News).(Pacific Sunwear of California Inc., Eric Plyler, vice president of stores, Heidi Muther, vice president of merchandising )(Brief Article)
February 28, 2003... Pacific Sunwear named Eric Plyler VP of stores and Heidi Muther VP of merchandising for its d.e.m.o. division, which operates 107 stores in 24 states.

Fleming. (People in the News).(Fleming Companies Inc., William May, executive vice president, president of wholesale division)(Brief Article)
February 28, 2003... Fleming promoted William May to executive VP, president of its wholesale division. He replaces Steve Davis, who is retiring after 43 years of service. May has served as senior VP of operations since 2002. Davis will stay with the company...

A&P sells seven Kohl's foods stores.(Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company Inc., Kohl's Food Stores Inc., Copps Corp.)(Brief Article)
February 28, 2003... A&P sold seven of its Kohl's Foods stores in Madison, Wis., to The Copps Corp., a subsidiary of Roundy's, for an undisclosed sum. A&P also is seeking buyers for its 24 other Kohl's Foods stores in the Madison and Milwaukee area.

More customer focus at Home Depot?(Home Depot Inc., financial performance enhancement with increased customer service)(Brief Article)
February 28, 2003... Has Home Depot's co-founder and former co-chairman lost faith in its new management? Not exactly, but Arthur Blank did say that the chain's current financial performance would be enhanced if a greater emphasis was placed on customer service....

Sears to reduce risk from credit cards.(Sears, Roebuck and Co.)(Brief Article)
February 28, 2003... After reporting a 15% drop in its fourth-quarter operating income, Sears is taking a fresh look at its credit-card business, which accounts for two-thirds of its operating income. The retailer said this week it will rein in marketing programs...

Third & 'Longs': changes on tap at chain.(Longs Drug Stores Corp.)(Brief Article)
February 28, 2003... "We're clearly not satisfied with our fourth-quarter performance." That's what Longs Drug Stores CEO Warren Bryant said after earnings dipped 70.6% in the 13 weeks ended Jan. 30. As a result, the drug chain says it will cut 170 jobs, abandon...

Wherehouse Music. (This Week's Retail News Nuggets).(Wherehouse Entertainment Inc. liquidation sales )(Brief Article)
February 28, 2003... Wherehouse Music commenced liquidation sales at 190 of its stores.

Jeffco Furniture. (This Week's Retail News Nuggets).(J. Peterman Co., Jeffco Furniture licensing agreement)(Brief Article)
February 28, 2003... J. Peterman announced a licensing agreement with Jeffco Furniture in a move that will create a 25-piece furniture collection.

Fleming. (This Week's Retail News Nuggets).(Fleming Companies Inc. to close warehouses, cut jobs )(Brief Article)
February 28, 2003... Fleming will close two warehouses in New Jersey and Indiana that catered their operations to fulfilling Kmart stores. It also will consolidate two of its "case-pick" distribution facilities into other divisions. The changes will result in the...

Target. (This Week's Retail News Nuggets).(Target Corp. to sell exclusive sportswear collection by Isaac Mizrahi )(Brief Article)
February 28, 2003... Fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi will create an exclusive collection of sportswear and accessories for women at Target.

Boutiques San Francisco. (This Week's Retail News Nuggets).(to close Les Ailes de la Mode store)(Brief Article)
February 28, 2003... Boutiques San Francisco will close its Les Ailes de la Mode store in Ottawa.

Kmart. (This Week's Retail News Nuggets).(Kmart Corp. to eliminate jobs)(Brief Article)
February 28, 2003... An article in the Detroit Free Press reports that Kmart is preparing to eliminate roughly 1,000 positions at its headquarters.

New stores, new markets.(multiple companies)(Brief Article)
February 21, 2003... West Marine Express opened last week in Marion. Mass. The retailer also expanded its locations in Sacramento, Calif., and Marathon. Fla. Specialty chain Lot Stores will expand into the Chicago market later this year. The Children's...

Weekend winter wonderland leads to retail sales wasteland.(Presidents Day holiday snowstorm along East Coast)(Brief Article)
February 21, 2003... Retail sales took a massive hit last weekend during the Presidents Day holiday, when two feet of snow forced numerous retailers along the East Coast to close their stores. However, two reports show that consumer spending was already on the...

Sports Authority, Gart Sports merge.(Sports Authority Inc., Gart Sports Co.)(Brief Article)
February 21, 2003... The Sports Authority and Gart Sports Co. merged this week in a move that will create one of the largest sporting goods retailers in the nation, with 385 stores in 45 states, The new company, which will be called The Sports Authority, Inc.,...

New rival for Starbucks: Juan Valdez.(Brief Article)
February 21, 2003... Look out Starbucks Colombian coffee king Juan Valdez has his eights set on operating his own. brand of coffee shops. Colombia's National Coffee Federation has reportedly received 3,000 offers from around the globe to partner with coffee...

Kohl's gave its CEO Larry Montgomery the added title of chairman. (People in the News).(Kohl's Department Stores Inc., chief executive officer)
February 21, 2003... Kohl's gave its CEO Larry Montgomery the added title of chairman. He succeeds William Kellogg, who retired in January 2001.

Big Lots named John Zavada senior VP and CIO. (People in the News).(Big Lots Inc., vice president, chief information officer)(Brief Article)
February 21, 2003... Big Lots named John Zavada senior VP and CIO. He comes from Gottschalks, where he served as VP, merchandise planning and CIO.

ShopKo named Dan Bolsted senior VP of store operations and logistics. (People in the News).(ShopKo Stores Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 21, 2003... ShopKo named Dan Bolsted senior VP of store operations and logistics for its namebrand and Pamida divisions. He comes from Fred Meyer; where he was senior VP Of operations.

Terry Burnside resigned as COO of Longs Drug. (People in the News).(Longs Drug Stores Corp., chief operating officer )(Brief Article)
February 21, 2003... Terry Burnside resigned as COO of Longs Drug William Bryant, CEO and president. will assume his duties.

Real estate firm Donahue Schriber named Patrick Donahue as president and COO. (People in the News).(chief operating officer )(Brief Article)
February 21, 2003... Real estate firm Donahue Schriber named Patrick Donahue as president and COO. He also will chair the executive committee. Former CEO and president Thomas Schriber has assumed the post of chairman.

Worker sues A&F over uniform costs.(Abercrombie and Fitch Co.)(Brief Article)
February 21, 2003... An employee at a California Abercrombie & Fitch (A&F) store sued the retailer, claiming it failed to reimburse her and others for clothes they're required to buy and wear at work, A&F reportedly requires its employees to wear its own line of...

Casual Male reducing outlet focus.(Casual Male Inc. outlet stores to be closed )(Brief Article)
February 21, 2003... Casual Male Retail Group is moving further away from its non-core business to focus on its namesake stores. The retailer said this week it will take a charge of roughly $30 million in the fourth quarter related to the closure of up to 55...

Kmart to Conaway: pay your own bills.(Kmart Corp., Chuck Conaway)(Brief Article)
February 21, 2003... Kmart has objected to Chuck Conaway's request that he be legally entitled to tap proceeds from the discount retailer's director and officer liability-insurance policies to finance his defense costs. Kmart says his motion should be denied...

Fleming continues distribution focus.(Fleming Companies Inc. sells Food4Less grocery stores to Save Mart Supermarkets)(Brief Article)
February 21, 2003... Fleming completed the sale of 17 of its Food4Less value-priced grocery stores in California to Save Mart Supermarkets for roughly $82 million. Save Mart also expects to acquire 11 additional Food4Less locations in California. Fleming will...

Wal-Mart set up an office at its headquarters that will help other nations realize the value and quality of U.S. exports. (This Week's Retail News Nuggets).(Brief Article)
February 21, 2003... Wal-Mart set up an office at its headquarters that will help other nations realize the value and quality of U.S. exports. Titled GP USA Export, the organization is a branch of Wal-Mart Global Procurement.

Jo-Ann Stores is buying three MJDesigns stores in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. (This Week's Retail News Nuggets).(Jo-Ann Stores Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 21, 2003... Jo-Ann Stores is buying three MJDesigns stores in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Jo-Ann will remodel and remerchandise the locations to its superstore format.

Liz Claiborne will shutter all 22 of its U.S. namebrand stores. (This Week's Retail News Nuggets).(Liz Claiborne Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 21, 2003... Liz Claiborne will shutter all 22 of its U.S. namebrand stores. It plans to shift its focus to its Lucky Brand division in the United States and its Mexx business in Europe and Canada.

Pier 1 Imports. (New Stores, New Markets).(opens 1,000 location in Summerlin, Nevada)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2003... Pier 1 Imports opens in Summerlin, Nev., on Feb. 23, its 1,000th location.

Big Lots. (New Stores, New Markets).(to add stores in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas and Wisconsin)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2003... Big Lots will add stores later this month in Kittanning, Pa., and Tiffin, Ohio. In March, the chain will open in West Hazleton, Pa.; Brownsville, Texas; and OshKosh, Wis.

KB Toys. (New Stores, New Markets).(opens new store at Maine Outlet in Kittery)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2003... KB Toys opened at Maine Outlet in Kittery....

Borders. (New Stores, New Markets).(will open store in San Luis Obispo, California)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2003... Borders will set up shop later this month in San Luis Obispo, Calif....

KaBloom. (New Stores, New Markets).(to open store in Dallas and other cities)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2003... Specialty floral chain KaBloom opens its first store outside of New England this week in Dallas. KaBloom will open more than 25 stores in Atlanta; Charlotte, N.C.; Las Vegas; Philadelphia; Fairfield County, Conn.; and New Jersey later this...

RadioShack. (Retail Mating: Partnerships Rise).(has subleased 2,200 sq. ft. near the frozen-food section at a Kroger store)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2003... RadioShack has subleased 2,200 sq. ft. near the frozen-food section at a Kroger store in Raleigh, N.C. RadioShack will reportedly have its own entrance in addition to Kroger's front door. The in-store shop will open in April.

Jewel-Osco. (Retail Mating: Partnerships Rise).(to add more Toys "R" Us boutiques at its stores)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2003... Jewel-Osco plans to add more Toys "R" Us boutiques at its stores in the near future. The news came after a report that stated the branded merchandise was flying off the shelves at five Jewel-Osco stores....

Starbucks. (Retail Mating: Partnerships Rise).(to begin selling Godiva biscuits and chocolates at its shops)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2003... Starbucks will begin selling Godiva biscuits and chocolates at 50 of its shops in Seattle, New York City and Chicago this Month.

Ladies plus-size market expands, J.C. Penney, Wal-Mart add labels.(Brief Article)
February 14, 2003... Two of the nation's leading retailers are expanding their assortment of plus-size apparel. J.C. Penney partnered with apparel marketer Kellwood Co. and full-figured fashion model Emme this week to create a new line of women's fashion...

Fleming's last shipment date is March 8.(judge rules on last shipment to Kmart)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2003... The relationship between Kmart and Fleming is starting to resemble the squabbles of the Hatfields and McCoys. Fleming went to the courts this week to defend itself from Kmart's statements that it did not provide adequate service. It also said...

Sales pace unchanged in latest tally.(retail comparable-store sales)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2003... Consumer spending remained stagnant last week, as the latest tally in retail comparable-store sales was unchanged for the week ended Feb. 8, compared with the prior week. The news comes from a tally compiled by the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi...

Aaron Rents. (People in the News).(appointed Kevin Leary director of operations for its Sight & Sound division)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2003... Aaron Rents appointed Kevin Leary director of operations for its Sight & Sound division, which operates 25 stores in Oklahoma and Kansas. Leary spent the past 28 years at Circuit City, most recently as regional VP of southeast....

Deb Shops. (People in the News).(Barry Susson appointed CFO)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2003... Deb Shops appointed Barry Susson as its new CFO. He replaces Lewis Lyons, who was promoted to senior VP of finance....

Chico. (People in the News).(appointed Patricia Murphy senior vice president, chief merchandising officer and Lori Shaffer vice president of merchandise)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2003... Chico's appointed Patricia Murphy senior VP, chief merchandising officer and Lori Shaffer VP of merchandise....

Bath & Body Works. (People in the News).(appointed Neil Fiske CEO)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2003... Neil Fiske was named CEO of Bath & Body Works, a unit of Limited Brands. He replaces Beth Pritchard, who retired roughly three weeks ago. Fiske most recently served with Boston Consulting Group, working exclusively with limited Brands for the...

VP of stores of bebe. (People in the News).(Patrick McGahan resigns )(Brief Article)
February 14, 2003... Patrick McGahan resigned as VP of stores of bebe. The women's apparel chain has yet to name his replacement.

Healthy bonus on tap for ceo of A&F. (People in the News).(Abercrombie & Fitch's CEO will receive as $12 million bonus if he stays with the company through 2008)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2003... Abercrombie & Fitch's (A&F) CEO will receive as $12 million bonus if he remains with the company through 2008. The 58-year-old executive also will get a career share award of 1 million shares, worth today about $29 million. A&F will pay...

Realignment at Federated Direct. (People in the News).(to realign direct-to-consumer businesses of Bloomingdale's and Macy's)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2003... Federated Department Stores is taking steps to realign the direct-to-consumer businesses of its Bloomingdale's and Macy's formats under their respective namesake divisions. Beginning next month, Bloomingdale's By Mail and its staff will be...

A&P selling nine stores in New England. (People in the News).(Brief Article)
February 14, 2003... Supermarket retailer A&P will sell nine of its stores in northern New England to Stop & Shop and Big Y Foods for roughly $80 million. The sale is part of a larger divestiture of A&P's operations in that region. The retailer is also expected...

Retailers desire Vietnamese imports. (People in the News).(International Mass Retail Association members petition U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick not to place restrictions on apparel imports from Vietnam)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2003... More than 30 member companies of the International Mass Retail Association have petitioned U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick not to place restrictions on apparel imports from Vietnam. The petition is related to a U.S. government team...

Teen spending increases 7.7% in 2002. (People in the News).(Brief Article)
February 14, 2003... America's teenagers are returning to their high-spending ways, according to the Rand Youth Poll. Their financial involvement in the total national economy increased 7.7% to $612.8 billion in 2002, compared with $568.8 billion in 2001. That...

Cablevision. (This Week's Retail News Nuggets).(closes 26 of its 43 Wiz stores)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2003... After closing 26 of its 43 Wiz stores in the New York City metro area, Cablevision is exploring options for the remaining 17 locations, including selling the business or closing the stores.

Office Depot. (This Week's Retail News Nuggets).(will open six stores in Madrid, Spain )
February 14, 2003... Office Depot will open six stores in Madrid, Spain in April....

Federated Department Stores. (This Week's Retail News Nuggets).(to purchase two J.C. Penney locations)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2003... Federated Department Stores will purchase two J.C. Penney locations in Hawaii, increasing its store base there to 19 locations. The stores, located in Maui and Hilo, will be remodeled this spring and reopened as Macy's stores this fall.

Coliseum Books. (New Stores, New Markets).(new Manhattan store)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2003... Coliseum Books will reopen in Manhattan across from the Public Library on 42nd Street.

Ethan Allen opened in Strongsville, Ohio, at South Park Mall. (New Stores, New Markets).
February 7, 2003... Ethan Allen opened in Strongsville, Ohio, at South Park Mall. The store features a showroom for the upcoming Ethan Allen Kids format.

Family Dollar. (New Stores, New Markets).(new stores and total store numbers)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2003... Family Dollar opened 39 stores during the four-week period ended Feb. 1, boosting its store base to 4,729 locations. Among the additions are eight stores in Texas and three each in Florida. New Jersey and Utah.

Home Depot Landscape Supply. (New Stores, New Markets).(stores opening in Texas)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2003... The first Home Depot Landscape Supply stores outside of Atlanta will open in Texas later this year. One store will open in Arlington next weekend with others following this spring in Plano, Grapevine, Lewisville and Dallas.

Saks Fifth Avenue. (New Stores, New Markets).(at The Shops at Willow Bend in Plano, Texas)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2003... Saks Fifth Avenue will open at The Shops at Willow Bend this fall in Plano, Texas.

Michaels will be among the tenants of Waterford (Conn.) Commons. (New Stores, New Markets).(Michaels Craft and Floral Warehouse)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2003... Michaels will be among the tenants of Waterford (Conn.) Commons, opening in September.

Cato. (New Stores, New Markets).(Will open in Virginia and Texas)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2003... Cato opens in two weeks in Lebanon, Va., and Ennis, Texas....

Belk, Dillard's and Hecht's will be the anchors of NorthLake mall. (New Stores, New Markets).(Brief Article)
February 7, 2003... Belk, Dillard's and Hecht's will be the anchors of NorthLake mall, set to open in Charlotte, N.C., in August 2005....

Barnes & Noble. (New Stores, New Markets).(leased space at Mohawk Commons in Niskayuna, N.Y.)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2003... Barnes & Noble leased space at Mohawk Commons in Niskayuna, N.Y....

A.J. Wright and Casual Male. (New Stores, New Markets).(Will open later this year in Waterbury, Connecticut)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2003... A.J. Wright and Casual Male plan to open later this year in Waterbury, Conn., at Wolcott Street shopping plaza. Price Chopper is currently converting a former Edwards store there.

January comps increase 1.8%, apparel, drug best categories.(comparable-store sales)
February 7, 2003... January usually tends to be one of the least productive months each year. That wasn't the case this year, though. Comparable-store sales rose 1.8% in January, surpassing the gains that were recorded in three of the four prior months. The...

Stein Mart. (People in the News).(Michael Fisher named CEO)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2003... Michael Fisher took over as ECO of Stein Mart, replacing John Williams who announced his retirement last June. Williams will continue to serve as vice chairman.

The Wet Seal, Inc. (People in the News).(CEO Kathy Bronstein leaves)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2003... Kathy Bronstein was relived of her duties as vice chairman and Ceo of The Wet Seal, Inc. She joined the company in 1985. Wet Seal chairman Irv Teitelbaum will assume her duties for an interim period.

Lowe. (People in the News).(executive appointments)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2003... At Lowe's: Robert Niblock was promoted to president; Robert Hull was named senion VP, CFO; and Larry Stone was promoted to senior executive VP of operations.

Talbots. (People in the News).(executive changes)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2003... Talbots named Hal Bosworth executive VP, chief merchandising officer; replscing H. James Metscher, who resigned. Also, Talbots promoted Michele Mandell to executive VP of stores.

Heywood Wilansky was named CEO and president of Filene's Basement, a division of Value City. (People in the News).(Brief Article)
February 7, 2003... Heywood Wilansky was named CEO and president of Filene's Basement, a division of Value City. He is the former Ceo and president of Bon-Ton and May Co.'s Foley's and Filene's divisions.

The Spiegel Group. (People in the News).(James Cannstaro will step down as executive VP)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2003... James Cannstaro will step down as executive VP, CFO of The Spiegel Group, effective Feb. 12.

Linens 'n Things. (People in the News).(president Serven Silverstein resigns)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2003... Linens 'n Things president Serven Silverstein resigned this week.

Rob Gruen has resigned as CEO and president of Parisian, a division of Saks, Inc.'s department store group. (People in the News).(Brief Article)
February 7, 2003... Rob Gruen has resigned as CEO and president of Parisian, a division of Saks, Inc.'s department store group. George Jones, CEO and president of the department store group, will assume responsibility for Parisian. Also, Saks promoted Kevin...

Kmart, Fleming terminate contract.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2003... When the foundation of a house cracks, the home may crumble. That's exactly what happened to the relationship between. Kmart and Fleming, as the two companies terminated their food-supply contract this week. The 10-year deal was signed in...

Circuit City moves to hourly pay scale.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2003... Trying to keep up with the Joneses, or rather its rival Best Buy, Circuit City moved this week to an hourly pay structure for all of its associates. It plans to cut nearly 1,800 jobs, or three positions per store. While Circuit City also will...

Costco 'Fresh' format goes stale.(Costco Wholesale ends its "Fresh" gourmet format)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2003... Costco Wholesale put an end to its planned "Fresh" gourmet format. It will instead rework the fresh-food offerings in its traditional club stores. Speaking at a shareholder meeting. Costco chief executive Jim Sinegal stated that it makes more...

Gottschalks sold its private-label credit-card business to Household International. (This Week's Retail News Nuggets).(Brief Article)
February 7, 2003... Gottschalks sold its private-label. Credit-card business to Household International. It also will shutter six locations in Washington and Oregon over the next 90 days and put all new-store openings on hold until spring 2004.

Footstar will supply an additional 1,200 Wal-Mart stores with Thom McAn footwear. (This Week's Retail News Nuggets).(Brief Article)
February 7, 2003... Footstar will supply an additional 1,200 Wal-Mart stores with Thom McAn footwear, expanding an agreement that began last October.

May Department Stores. (This Week's Retail News Nuggets).(acquires two Marshall Field's locations in Columbus, Ohio)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2003... Marshall Field's is selling two of its locations in Columbus, Ohio, to May Department Stores.

Avon's will cease selling its beComing line of cosmetics in roughly 90 J.C. Penney stores. (This Week's Retail News Nuggets).(Brief Article)
February 7, 2003... Avon's will cease selling its beComing line of cosmetics in roughly 90 J.C. Penney stores. Penney plans to use the space to expand and upgrade its women's accessories busines.

Spartan Stores is looking to sell its Food Town division. (This Week's Retail News Nuggets).(Brief Article)
February 7, 2003... Spartan Stores is looking to sell its Food Town division. Which operates roughly 39 stores in Ohio and Michigan.