DSN Retailing Today articles from January 2005

DSN Retailing Today archives from January 2005

Post-holiday shopping frenzy spares retail from specter of Christmas past.
January 24, 2005... NEW YORK -- Although about two-thirds of major retailers beat analysts' expectations of December sales results, the final tally of Holiday '04 ended up a mixed bag. Even though sales were up overall, drastic price cuts by big-box shops could...

Wal-Mart U.S. taps Mexico for new coo.
January 24, 2005... BENTONVILLE, ARK. -- A realignment of senior management responsibilities at the beginning of the new year is nothing new at Wal-Mart, but this year the process offered up quite an intriguing twist, with implications for long-term succession...

ShopKo goes live with Express Rx.
January 24, 2005... HOWARD, WIS. -- It was a year and a half in the making, but this month ShopKo debuted its Express Rx drug store format with three stores in Wisconsin. It's the first of the chain's efforts to move into the stand-alone drug store business as...

Wal-Mart aims to improve image.(Market Watch)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... BENTONVILLE, ARK. -- As part of an ongoing effort to improve its public image and combat criticism of company labor practices, Wal-Mart on Thursday bought full-page advertisments in more than 100 newspapers across the country. Also on...

Former Ahold execs settle fraud charges.(Market Watch)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... WASHINGTON -- Former Ahold executives Timothy Lee and William Carter have settled civil fraud charges brought against them by the SEC in relation to their roles in the U.S. Foodservice accounting scandal that surfaced in 2003. Lee, who was...

Apple debuts low-priced products.(Market Watch)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... CUPERTINO, CALIF. -- Apple Computer yesterday announced the launch of a $99 iPod and cost-efficient desktop computer. Apple made the move to appeal to consumers that previously have been turned off by the company's high prices. The new Mini...

Marketing pace revs up at Office Depot.(contracts with National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing)
January 24, 2005... DELRAY BEACH FLA. -- Office Depot may not have ended 2004 where it had expected when the year began, but the company is rolling into 2005 with new priorities and initiatives that could help generate some much needed momentum. The most...

Integrated products highlight CES show.(International Consumer Electronics Show)
January 24, 2005... LAS VEGAS -- Bigger than ever, the 2005 International Consumer Electronics Show drew approximately 140,000 attendees and legions of press to the largest trade show in North America to kick the tires on thousands of new product introductions...

OfficeMax starts year with personnel, financial crisis.
January 24, 2005... SHAKER HEIGHTS, OHIO -- The new year is off to a rocky start at OfficeMax following the departure of two high-level executives, a disappointing fourth quarter and an investigation into financial improprieties that will delay the release of...

Tweeter sets standard for selling technology.(Tweeter Home Entertainment Group Inc.'s Tweeter Entertainment Architects)
January 24, 2005... LAS VEGAS -- This city may have been abuzz with the Consumer Electronics Show early this month, but among attendees the buzz was strong about Tweeter Home Entertainment's newest prototype unveiled there: Tweeter Entertainment Architects. ...

Bankruptcy triggers shakeup at Ultimate Electronics.
January 24, 2005... THORNTON, COLO. -- Saddled with debt and declining sales, Ultimate Electronics filed for bankruptcy and named the founder of Hollywood Video as its new chairman. The 65-store consumer electronics chain filed for restructuring under Chapter 11...

RadioShack's Roberts to retire.(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... FORT WORTH, TEXAS -- RadioShack chairman and ceo Leonard Roberts was in high spirits earlier this month at the annual Consumer Electronics Show. Not surprising given that a few short days later, he announced his retirement after leading the...

Hollywood Entertainment gets best offer from Movie Gallery.(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... WILSONVILLE, ORE. -- The battle over Hollywood Entertainment seems to have ended with the announcement that it accepted an $850 million offer from Movie Gallery. The chain announced on Jan. 10 that it reached an agreement to acquire the...

JCPenney names new president and cmo.(Market Watch)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... PLANO, TEXAS -- JCPenney recently named Ken Hicks president and cmo, fulfilling the role of former president, chairman and ceo Vanessa Castagna. Hicks will report directly to the new chairman and ceo Myron Ullman and will continue to oversee...

McKesson to repay shareholders.(Market Watch)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... SAN FRANCISCO -- McKesson has agreed to repay shareholders $960 million to cover losses suffered in an accounting scandal that has resulted in criminal convictions of several former executives. The settlement covers 54 class-action lawsuits...

Home Depot to offer LG products.(Market Watch)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... ATLANTA -- Home Depot has announced that it will expand its appliance lineup by offering products made by Korea's LG Electronics in its stores this year. John Costello, Home Depot merchandising and marketing chief, said that the company will...

Online DVD-rental price war getting testy.(Market Watch)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... NEW YORK -- Wal-Mart recently upped the ante in the quickly-escalating war for market share of the online/rent-by-mail DVD segment by dropping their monthly membership fee to $12.97. Just last month, Blockbuster dropped the price of its...

BI-LO announces new business plan.(Operations Watch)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... GREENVILLE, S.C. -- BI-LO Holdings, parent company of BI-LO and Bruno's Supermarkets, announced details of the company's new business plan and integration efforts. As part of the business plan, BI-LO and Bruno's will transfer the ownership of...

OfficeMax renames CopyMax business.(Operations Watch)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... ITASCA, ILL -- OfficeMax announced that it is changing the name of its print-for-pay business from CopyMax to OfficeMax Print and Document Services. In 2005, OfficeMax will begin adding OfficeMax Print and Document Services facilities within...

Ahold reports drop in q4 sales.(Financials)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... ZAANDAM, Netherlands -- Royal Ahold reported that its fourth-quarter sales declined 3% to $16.3 billion, due mainly to the weak valuation of the U.S. dollar and the impact of the net sales of divestited operations. Net sales at U.S. retail...

CVS posts December comps gain.(Financials)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- CVS announced total sales for the five-week period ended Jan. 1 increased 8.9% to $3.66 billion. The total sales reflect the impact of the acquisition of 1,268 Eckerd drugstores in July, and Eckerd's pharmacy benefit...

Top gainers.(Financials)(Illustration)
January 24, 2005... TOP GAINERS For 2 weeks ended 1/12/05 Burlington Coat Factory 13.46% Stein Mart 13.33 Wallgreens 8.07 Syms 6.61 Pacific Sunwear ...

Top losers.(Financials)(Illustration)
January 24, 2005... TOP LOSERS For 2 weeks ended 1/12/05 Circuit City Stores (14.59%) Winn-Dixie (14.06%) Charming Shoppers (13.62%) Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea (13.52%) Fred's ...

Major indices.(Financials)(Illustration)
January 24, 2005... MAJOR INDICES Close Close Net % 12/29/04 1/12/05 Change Change S&P 500 (GSPC) 1,177.45 1,184.52 7.07 0.60% Dow Jones Industrial Average 10,505.83 ...

Insider trades.(Financials)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... STOCKS BOUGHT PETSMART: Barbara A. Fitzgerald, svp, bought 3,941 shares on Jan. 3 at $34.86, now owns 239,470 shares. WAL-MART: John B. Menzer, evp, bought 40,956 shares on Jan. 3 at $53.35, now owns 222,427 shares. BORDERS:...

Dress Barn acquires billion-dollar status.(Interview)
January 24, 2005... SUFFERN, N.Y. -- Dress Barn, a leading moderate-priced women's apparel specialist, is primed to expand and address new customers via its recent acquisition of Maurices, a value-priced juniors and youth retailer. For $320 million, Dress Barn...

American Eagle to see if new retail concept soars.
January 24, 2005... WARRENDALE, PA. -- American Eagle Outfitters is the latest youth specialty retailer to announce that it is developing a new store concept. Analysts expect this initiative to target a slightly older demographic than American Eagle Outfitters'...

K is for cunning.(Kmart Corp.)(Editorial)
January 24, 2005... If the walls of Kmart headquarters could talk, what stories they would tell. After four decades of creating, dominating, then nearly withering away in the discount channel, Kmart has seen it all. But of all the chapters in this venerable...

Have anything in a size thirtysomething?(where are the retailers for older consumers?)(Editorial)
January 24, 2005... Now that "Sex and the City" is over, I have some news for you: I don't think Carrie Bradshaw was ever really here. I've never walked the dog in stiletto Pradas, a tube top and gold lame shorts, and not just because I don't have a dog. ...

G+G Retail.(Executive News)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Juniors apparel specialist G+G Retail recently appointed Melanie B. Cox as its new president and ceo, effective Jan 4, 2005. Cox's more than 20 years of retail experience includes her previous role as president of children's wear resource...

Goody's Family Clothing hired Frederick J. Mershad as president and chief merchandising officer as of Jan. 3, 2005.(Executive News)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Goody's Family Clothing hired Frederick J. Mershad as president and chief merchandising officer as of Jan. 3, 2005. He will oversee merchandise planning and allocation, merchandising and advertising in his new role. Mershad's previous retail...

Microfiber Long Johns.(What's Hot)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... While long underwear has been keeping men warm for years, it is only recently that this need-based item has become a hot trend. The industry has Under Armour (pictured) to thank for the sleeker new styles that have taken it by storm. This...

Jeans comfy in chic shops as well as Wal-Mart.(Denim Update)
January 24, 2005... Wrangler at Barneys, Levi's at Pamida--buying a pair of blue jeans has never been as egalitarian, and the cross-channel migration continues. While denim is traditionally a core apparel offering across the retail industry, distribution...

What to wear? Teens look to reality TV.(apparel & accessories)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... The small screen has always had a big influence on what teens wear--but reality TV? Forget the days of "Dawson's Creek," and "Beverly Hills 90210." Today it's shows like "What Not to Wear" and "Extreme Makeover" that are affecting the...

Apparel gift-giving makes comeback over holidays.(apparel & accessories)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Good news for clothing purveyors: apparel gift-giving appears to be making a comeback. During the four weeks ended Dec. 20, 2004--peak holiday shopping season--clothing sales rose faster than those in other key gift categories, including...

Coty.(Vendor News)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Looking to target a slightly older consumer, twin superstars Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have once again partnered with Coty to launch in March two new fragrances: mary-kateandashley coast to coast LA and mary-kateandashley coast to coast NYC....

Unilever.(Vendor News)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Unilever's Dove Hair Care is expanding beyond shampoos and conditioners and entering the hair styling category with the January launch of its Dove Styling products. The line includes five hairsprays, two mousses, two gels, a pomade, an...

The Estee Lauder Cos.(Executive News)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Effective Jan. 1, Dan Brestle assumed the role of coo of The Estee Lauder Cos., succeeding William Lauder, who was named president and ceo of the company last year. Previously, Brestle served as group president. In his new post, Brestle will...

Women's razors.(What's Hot)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... The shaving category is gearing up for another razor war in 2005, but this time it's all about women. Borrowing the technology of its vibrating M3Power men's razor, Gillette will launch in the spring the Venus Vibrance razor for women....

Natural look, at-home spa top trends for nail care.(Nail Care Update)
January 24, 2005... From wavy locks to sheer lip gloss to just a pinch of color on the cheeks, the natural look continues to make waves in the fashion world--and nails are no exception. Sales of nail polish may be dull and chipped, but nail treatments, on the...

Manicure sets tout hygenic benefits.(health & beauty care)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... For many women, nail salons have become part of their weekly or monthly routine. However, when news broke last year on a manicure gone wrong for "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul, resulting in a severe nail infection, sanitary concerns were...

Nail product retail sales 2004-2008.(health & beauty care)(Illustration)
January 24, 2005... NAIL PRODUCT RETAIL SALES 2004-2008 In millions NAIL NAIL POLISH POLISH TREATMENTS REMOVER TOTAL 2004 475.3 127.0 75.8 678.2 2005 * 464.3 ...

Costco.(Retailer News)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Costco now offers free nitrogen installation and fill-ups for life with tire purchases. Inflating tires with nitrogen rather than compressed air (about 78 percent nitrogen itself) is supposed to prolong tire life, improve gas mileage and keep...

Delticom.(Retailer News)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... German online tire dealer Delticom began selling tires in the United States last month through the Web site www.tires-easy.com. The site offers more than 6,500 tires and 59 brands. Prior to the U.S. launch, Delticom operated online in 18...

R.L. Polk & Co.(Industry News)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... A report by R.L. Polk & Co. forecasts that the number of light vehicles in the U.S. will increase by 16 million over the next five years, growing to 234.4 million. The number of light trucks is expected to grow by 13 percent and the passenger...

Designer stools.(What's Hot)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Shop stools featuring colorful logos, designs or automotive television show licenses have become a hot impulse item targeting weekend do-it-yourself garage mechanics and the growing overlap between garage and recreation areas. These...

DIYers talk shop tools and better organization.(DIY Auto Update)(do-it-yourself)
January 24, 2005... The shrinking of the do-it-yourself auto mechanic customer base may have been greatly exaggerated. While fewer consumers today will tackle heavy-duty repairs, the market for light DIY activity and accessorizing has triggered strong demand for...

Premium wipers sell to safety-minded.(hardlines)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Replacement windshield wipers comprise a category that doesn't generally get much attention, given that consumers rarely think about buying new wipers until their old ones break down. But innovation in this segment has shifted preference...

Road-friendlier alternative to tire chains rolling out.(hardlines)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... GoClaws, a revolutionary alternative to traditional tire chains for maneuvering in snow, mud or sand, is gaining distribution after being introduced at Cabela's in late 2003. The product, sold at Canadian Tire and soon to be available...

International Housewares Association.(Industry News)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... The U.S. housewares industry rang up $62.2 billion in sales at retail last year, according to the new 2004 State-of-the-Industry Report released by the International Housewares Association. On average, U.S. households spent $578 each on...

Hanna's Candle Company.(Vendor News)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Hanna's Candle Company has entered into a deal with Kathy Ireland Worldwide to manufacture wax and soy candles as well as potpourri, fragrance sprays and diffusers. The lines will be marketed as Kathy Ireland Home by Hanna's Candle Co. and...

Dirt Devil.(Executive News)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Dirt Devil manufacturer Royal Appliance has appointed Andrew Klaus chief financial officer. Klaus was corporate controller at Royal Appliance. mduff@dsnretailingtoday.com

WestPoint Stevens.(Executive News)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... WestPoint Stevens has announced that its basic bedding division is aligning its marketing, product development and sourcing areas to streamline and strengthen those functions and better serve retail partners. The three units will be...

Babies.(What's Hot)(Bebe Sounds launches Portable Video and Sound Monitor)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... With the Echo Boom bringing smaller families and more grandparents per child, babies have been a high-end cooing, gurgling success in home furnishings and housewares. Fewer kids have meant that each baby represents a high-stakes proposition,...

Increased competition awaits behind the curtain.(Window Treatment Update)
January 24, 2005... Window coverings have been good to many retailers recently, but as mid-tier and mass-market operators continue to build programs, competitive pressure will increase. Sears has boosted window coverings, in part by including them on its...

Cocooning gives way to clutter clearing.(home & housewares)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Evidence is accumulating that folks aren't spending on their homes the way they did last year. Cocooning seems to be a fading trend, and retailers will have to adjust. Much of the evidence comes from specialty retailers. Even growth...

Linens 'N' Things settles with executive team.(home & housewares)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Linens 'N Things, in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing, said it had extended, modified and restated its employment agreements with ceo Norman Axelrod, cfo William Giles and senior vp, human resources, administration and corporate...

Circuit City.(Retailer News)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... The holidays weren't all that happy for Circuit City, which reported a 5.8% drop in same-store sales for the month of December. The retailer attributed the drop to a reduced demand for DVD players as well as video game hardware and software....

Blockbuster Entertainment reduced the price of its monthly online rental fee to $14.99 last month, undercutting rival Netflix by $3.(Retailer News)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Blockbuster Entertainment reduced the price of its monthly online rental fee to $14.99 last month, undercutting rival Netflix by $3. The cut was made in anticipation of the entry of Amazon.com into the competitive online rental arena. ...

DreamWorks.(Vendor News)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... DreamWorks' "Shrek 2" checked in as the top-selling title of 2004, with a total of 24.2 million units sold in North America. The hit sequel sold 21.6 million units on DVD and 2.6 million on VHS. ddesjard@dsnretailingtoday.com

Digital Entertainment Group.(Industry News)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... The number of American homes with at least one DVD player topped 70 million in 2004, according to the Digital Entertainment Group. A total of 37 million players were sold in the United States last year, boosting the percentage of homes with...

Nintendo DS.(What's Hot)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... The toy industry went through another holiday season without a "must have" toy but got plenty of support from the new Nintendo DS. The handheld game system with dual screens launched Nov. 21 and sold more than 1.4 million units through Dec....

Kids' and religious-themed titles to get Easter push.(DVD Update)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Easter is one of the video industry's biggest gift-giving holidays, and it's one that many studios use to introduce new family films on DVD or repromote old classics with a religious or holiday theme. Buena Vista Home Entertainment will...

Disney gives "Cinderella" royal treatment.(ce & entertainment)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... When a big-budget animated film is released in theaters, it's usually accompanied by a slew of licensed merchandise ranging from plush dolls to sleeping bags. The Walt Disney Co. will take the same approach later this year when it releases...

DVD promo.(ce & entertainment)(Illustration)
January 24, 2005... DVD PROMO THE 10 MOST HEAVILY PROMOTED (*) SELL-THROUGH VIDEO TITLES AT MASS ([dagger]) FOR THE PERIOD OF 12/1 THROUGH 12/31/2004 TITLE/STUDIO NO. OF ADS SPIDER-MAN 2 ...

Publix Super Markets is launching a line of private-label Hispanic food products later this year.(In The Mix)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... LAKELAND, FLA. -- Publix Super Markets is launching a line of private-label Hispanic food products later this year. The line will include products such as frozen plantains, mojo marinade and ready-to-eat black beans that the company hopes...

Changing horses in midstream is considered dangerous, so it's not surprising Winn-Dixie is drawing skepticism about its decision to replace ceo Frank Lazaran with former Albertsons coo Peter Lynch in the midst of a restructuring program.(In The Mix)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... JACKSONVILLE, FLA. -- Changing horses in midstream is considered dangerous, so it's not surprising Winn-Dixie is drawing skepticism about its decision to replace ceo Frank Lazaran with former Albertsons coo Peter Lynch in the midst of a...

Diversity helps Kroger weather tough climate: marketplace concept expanding.(Cover Story)
January 24, 2005... An increasingly tough market for conventional grocers, market share gains made by supercenters and strikes in California have left many of the biggest supermarket chains battle-scarred. In Kroger's case, however, a thicker skin has helped the...

Safeway grows concept: upscale-store strategy in Calif. is new strategy to beat Wal-Mart.(In The News)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... PLEASANTON, CALIF. -- Safeway has launched a more upscale, perishables-oriented format in California. The new prototype, initially dubbed proof-of-concept (POC) within the company, includes those elements and also an expanded general...

When Wal-Mart comes to town: study examines impact on local market.(Special Report)
January 24, 2005... CARSON CITY, NEV. -- A new market study, released here, demonstrates that one bit of conventional wisdom about the launch of Wal-Mart supercenters into a new market is true and another isn't. What is true is that Wal-Mart supercenters do have...

Bagels.(What's Hot)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Bread may be poised for a comeback, but bagels never went away, low carb or not. ACNielsen reports that, for the 52 weeks ended Nov. 27, 2004, bagels gained 0.6% in sales, higher than the 0.1% gain for bread and bakery products. Lenders has...

Re-energized drinks.(What's Hot)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... For those folks who thought energy drinks would rapidly peter out, guess again. A new generation is coming. The latest wave has been driven in part by ethnic consumption, particularly among Hispanics. In addition, new brands are taking...

Shrimp tariffs to further complicate seafood: anti-dumping measure prompts retailers to revise strategies focused on most popular items.
January 24, 2005... Seafood is supposed to be good for us, but why does it cause so many headaches? Because now, anti-dumping tariffs are set to bump the price of the most popular seafood of all--shrimp. Tariffs will impact shrimp prices, said Wally Stevens,...

Wellness a way to better soft drink sales: diet sodas still growing, while full-calorie colas see decline.(Cadbury Schweppes PLC)
January 24, 2005... Cadbury-Schweppes' new vitamin C-fortified 7-Up Plus is heralding a new era for carbonated soft drinks. The company is treating 7-Up Plus as the foundation of a new category--and is considering additional Plus entries--but it also is part of...

Whole grains.(product launches)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... While the buzzword in food trends for 2004 was low carb, this year the new consumer hot button may be whole grain. General Mills plans to add new whole-groin cereals later this year, including Chocolate Lucky Charms and Fiber One Honey...

Dark chocolate.(product launches)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Milk chocolate is still king in candy, but dark chocolate has been making waves in recent years. The latest item to go to the dark side comes from Master-foods USA, which will debut dark chocolate M&Ms in April to coincide with the newest...

Ready-to-eat cereal sales remain soggy: bright spot seen for convenience items and whole grain amid shifting health trends.
January 24, 2005... With sales of ready-to-cat cereal down for the fourth year now, prospects for a revival of this category appear dismal. That's not to say that bright spots don't exist in the segment, however, especially related to healthier cereal options...

Good-for-you munchies best news in snacks: emphasis moves from low-carb to low-calorie options.(Snacks)
January 24, 2005... Blame the low-carb fad or healthier eating--for whatever reason, consumers are slowly pushing away fatty, high-calorie snacks. This has presented some tough but surmountable challenges for salty-snack manufacturers. Potato chips,...

A legacy of leadership.(Tom Coughlin, Wal-Mart Stores Inc.)(Biography)
January 24, 2005... Wal-Mart vice chairman Tom Coughlin's retirement became official this month after a 27-year career in which he distinguished himself as a motivational leader and difference-maker to whom the company often turned to get things done. At...

The architects of change.(Kmart Corp.)
January 24, 2005... Kmart's tumultuous journey of shifting strategies, bankruptcy, emergence, store closures, cost-cutting and a return to profits as a new public company under the guidance of savvy financial investor and chairman Eddie Lampert will take another...

Niche marketing targets hottest-selling items.(executive profiles: Peter Whitsett, Kmart Corp.)(Biography)
January 24, 2005... Peter Whitsett, Kmart's co-chief merchant, has ridden with Kmart down some rough roads. Now, he is helping establish the merchandising direction of a chain that may be on the verge of revitalization. Of course, much of the attention...

Getting creative to take control of brand destiny.(Executive profiles: Lisa Schultz, Kmart Corp.)(Biography)
January 24, 2005... Building the Kmart portfolio of exclusive brands into assortments that are focused and meaningful to shoppers in a store environment that is a notch above. the retailer's past attempts feeds Lisa Schultz's daily motivation as senior vp and...

Vertical sourcing critical to higher profits.(Executive profiles: John Goodman, Kmart Corp.)(Biography)
January 24, 2005... Since John Goodman joined Kmart as chief apparel and home officer, the highest-ranking category-related position at the company, on Dec. 15, 2003, his responsibilities have increased significantly. His role now encompasses oversight of home...

Sharper marketing, needed to define an image.(says Paul Guyardo, Kmart Corp.)
January 24, 2005... Paul Guyardo, Kmart's chief marketing officer since last March, has a challenging task on his hands: shaping the image of a company with a particularly uneven brand heritage. Yes, Kmart is a discount retailer-but Wal-Mart is positioned as...