Camp Hill, Pa., and Boise, Idaho — Rite Aid Corp. has called off its previously announced merger with Boise, Idaho-based grocery chain Albertsons Cos. The integrated company would have operated about 4,900 locations, 4,350 pharmacy counters and 320 clinics across 38 states and Washington, D.C.
retailers
Batavia, Ill. — With more than 1,800 stores across the country, ALDI is in the midst of an accelerated growth plan, investing more than $5 billion to remodel and expand its store count to 2,500 by the end of 2022. Currently, the company is more than halfway through its remodel investment.
Merrimack, N.H. — Brookstone Co. Inc. has filed for bankruptcy and will close its remaining 101 mall locations. The Merrimack, N.H.-based retailer filed for Chapter 11 protection on August 2, 2018, the second time it has done so in the last 5 years. The company first filed for bankruptcy in 2014 and was sold to a Chinese investment group for more than $173 million. The retailer cited the “extremely challenging” retail environment at malls as a factor in its struggles.
Columbus, Ohio — DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse has opened its newest store on the Las Vegas strip. Located in the Showcase Mall on S. Las Vegas Boulevard, the store is half the size of a typical DSW but delivers the experience and spectacle Vegas crowds expect. It builds on the company’s recent moves to innovate with nail bars, repair services, custom performance inserts and a new store design, based on its Polaris lab store near Columbus, Ohio.
Mooresville, N.C. — Lowe’s Companies, Inc. has named Donald E. Frieson as executive vice president, supply chain, effective August 8, 2018. He will be responsible for the company’s distribution centers, logistics, global sourcing, transportation and delivery services. Frieson will report to Marvin R. Ellison, president and CEO.
Seattle — Leading fashion retailer Nordstrom, Inc. has hired Edmond Mesrobian as chief technology officer (CTO). In this role, Mesrobian will help Nordstrom continue to bolster its strategy of leveraging digital and technology capabilities while expanding customer reach and engagement.
Secaucus, N.J. — Vitamin Shoppe, Inc., an omni-channel, specialty retailer of nutritional products, has named David Mock, who has served as a consultant to the company since January 2018, as its new executive vice president – chief merchandising and marketing officer, effective July 30, 2018.