Richardson, Texas — ENTOUCH, a leading energy management solutions provider for multisite operators, has selected 24 Hour Fitness as the recipient of the ENTOUCH 2023 Sustainability Award. This award recognizes companies that have significantly contributed to sustainability and energy efficiency. “We are proud to recognize 24 Hour Fitness for their commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency,” says Trey Hernandez, vice president of customer success for ENTOUCH. “Their dedication to reducing their environmental impact is an example for other companies to follow. We are proud to do our part in supporting …
retailers
San Francisco — Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co.) has made a series of strategic leadership changes designed to improve the company’s speed and agility, and further its commitment to consumers. These actions will streamline decision-making, drive operational excellence and align the company’s structure with its strategic priorities. “Over the past year, we’ve made bold moves to transform Levi Strauss & Co. into a world-class denim lifestyle retailer, and we’re seeing the results,” says Michelle Gass, president and CEO of Levi Strauss & Co. “We believe success is built on clarity …
Jacksonville, Fla. — A consortium of private investors, spearheaded by the current CEO and president of Southeastern Grocers Inc. (SEG), Anthony Hucker, and C&S Wholesale Grocers, has acquired Southeastern Grocers and its Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket banners from ALDI U.S. ALDI U.S. previously purchased Southeastern Grocers in March 2024. The agreement includes the acquisition of SEG grocery and liquor store operations under the Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket banners. This includes approximately 170 grocery stores in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida, as well as the existing Winn-Dixie liquor store business. …
New York City — Macy’s Inc. has promoted Barbie Cameron to chief stores officer of Macy’s, effective Feb. 16. She most recently served as the senior vice president and regional director of stores, East Region, and had been the interim chief stores officer since August. She reports to Adrian Mitchell, chief operating officer and chief financial officer of Macy’s, Inc. In this role, Cameron leads the store operations across Macy’s nameplate, from flagships to small format stores and its call center operations. She will spearhead initiatives to modernize Macy’s, improve …
Costa Mesa, Calif. — Liberated Brands, the parent company of several sport, outdoor and lifestyle apparel retailers, has initiated Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, according to court documents filed in Delaware. Liberated Brands’ portfolio of retailers includes Volcom, Billabong, Quiksilver, ROXY, Honolua Surf, RVCA, Beachworks, Becker Surfboards, ZJ Boarding House, Spyder and Boardriders. According to Gordon Brothers, which is providing real estate advisory services to the retailer, Liberated Brands plans to close its 122 stores throughout the country. Gordon Brothers — which earlier this year entered into a sales transaction with Big …
— By Katie Lee — How Half Price Books has grown into the largest family-owned new and used bookstore chain in the U.S. by rehoming books into the hands of more people — and not into landfills. Book lovers often joke that they could “start their own bookstore” from the stacks of books tucked into every corner of their own home, but imagine actually doing it. Over 50 years ago, a pair of bibliophiles named Ken Gjemre and Pat Anderson did just that. In the summer of 1972, they drew …
Reynoldsburg, Ohio — Victoria’s Secret & Co. (VS&Co) has announced that its chief financial and administrative officer, Timothy (TJ) Johnson, is retiring in June 2025. Scott Sekella has been appointed chief financial officer. “We are excited to welcome Scott to VS&Co,” says Hillary Super, chief executive officer of VS&Co. “He is a transformational leader with extensive and diverse retail experience delivering results, driving operational efficiencies and executing growth strategies. He has a strong retail background and record of identifying and accelerating strategies that strengthen performance and enhance profitability which I …
Lexington, Ky. — Tempur Sealy International, Inc. has completed its previously announced acquisition of Mattress Firm Group Inc. (Mattress Firm), the nation’s largest mattress specialty retailer, for approximately $5 billion. Additionally, Tempur Sealy will change its name to Somnigroup International Inc., effective February 18, 2025. Mattress Firm, Dreams and Tempur Sealy will operate as decentralized business units under Somnigroup International. Mattress Firm and Dreams will continue to operate as multi-branded retailers and Tempur Sealy, primarily a manufacturer, will continue to serve third-party retailers as well as Mattress Firm, Dreams and …
St. Louis — Caleres, a market-leading portfolio of consumer-driven footwear brands, has hired Brian Costello to join Famous Footwear as chief merchandising officer. In this role, he will oversee all buying and merchandising for the brand’s U.S. and Canada stores and e-commerce sites. “Brian has a long track record of exceptional fashion and footwear industry leadership,” says Mike Edwards, president of Famous Footwear. “With expertise in merchandising and planning for both footwear and ready-to-wear, I’m confident he will help drive growth and achieve our ambitions at Famous Footwear.” Costello has …
Murray, Utah — Beyond, Inc., owner of Bed Bath & Beyond and Overstock, has entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with BBBY Acquisition Co. LLC to acquire the global rights of the Buy Buy Baby brand. The purchase price of $5 million includes certain assets, databases, domains, intellectual property, vendor relationships and content related to Buy Buy Baby. “Bed Bath & Beyond and Buy Buy Baby have historically been synonymous with supporting families, their homes and all of life’s milestones,” says Marcus Lemonis, executive chairman of Beyond. “Our goal is …