Los Angeles — Chedraui USA, the fourth largest grocery retailer in California and parent company for El Super, Smart & Final and Fiesta Mart stores, has announced the retirement of Smart & Final’s president, Scott Drew, effective Sept. 29, 2023. Drew began his career in the industry more than four decades ago as a grocery clerk. He joined Smart & Final in 2010, leading the organization with a steadfast commitment to Smart & Final’s core values and a profound dedication to the personal and professional growth of the company’s associates. …
retailers
Evansville, Ind. — Shoe Carnival, Inc., a leading retailer of footwear and accessories for the family, has named Patrick Edwards as the company’s senior vice president, chief financial officer, secretary and treasurer. Edwards had served as chief accounting officer and secretary since 2021 and had served as vice president and controller since he joined the company in 2019. Prior to joining Shoe Carnival, Edwards served in increasing roles of responsibility in finance and accounting during his 18-year career with Vectren Corporation, a publicly traded utility holding company, including serving as …
New York City — Runit Systems, a leading provider of innovative retail management systems, has released Sellit 6.0, its newest POS module, which includes features designed to revolutionize the retail experience. With a focus on enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, these features reinforce Runit’s commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions for the apparel, footwear, sporting goods and luxury retail sectors. The new module ensures uninterrupted sales operations even during internet outages. This safeguard empowers retailers to maintain seamless operations, granting access to critical functions like inventory management, customer receipt histories …
Wawa, Pa. — Wawa, a privately held, family-owned chain of more than 1,000 convenience retail stores currently operating in six states and Washington, D.C., plans to expand into the state of Kentucky for the first time, with 40 new stores across various markets. The approximately 40 stores across the region are projected to open over the next 8-10 years with the first groundbreakings beginning in mid-2024. So far, Wawa has more than 15 sites under contract across Boone, Bullitt, Fayette, Hardin, Jefferson, Jessamine, Oldham, Scott, Shelby and Warren counties, Ky. …
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — Automotive retailer AutoNation, Inc. has appointed Jeff Parent as its new chief operating officer (COO). With extensive experience in senior executive roles spanning sales, supply chain management and business strategy, Parent brings a wealth of expertise to lead the company’s operational and strategic initiatives. His start date is expected to be Oct. 16, 2023. As COO, Parent will play a pivotal role in AutoNation’s continuous efforts to drive growth, enhance operational efficiency and provide exceptional customer experiences across its extensive network of locations. “Jeff Parent is …
Tucson, Ariz. — Bass Pro Shops plans to open a new destination retail store in Tucson, Ariz., in late 2024. The opening of the Outdoor World will mark the third Bass Pro Shops location in Arizona, as it continues to expand its presence in the Southwest. “We are very excited about this opportunity to strengthen our relationship with the sportsmen and women of southern Arizona,” says Johnny Morris, conservationist and founder of Bass Pro Shops. “This new store will make it easier for the people and families who love to …
North Brunswick, N.J. — This month, Girl Scouts of Central and Southern New Jersey (GSCSNJ) have unveiled a new Girl Scout DreamLab, a cutting-edge, one-of-a-kind space for girls to discover, create and collaborate. The GSCSNJ team becomes the third council in the nation and the first on the East Coast to open a DreamLab. (Earlier this year, DreamLabs opened in Denver and Gonzales, La.) A DreamLab is a state-of-the-art space designed to empower girls and provide endless opportunities for exploration. From engaging in STEM projects to podcasting, performing on stage …
Wilton, Conn. — Melissa & Doug, a highly rated preschool brand for wooden and sustainable toys, will open its first-ever retail store this fall. The 1,600-square-foot store is scheduled to open on Oct. 6, 2023, in The Westchester, a premium shopping mall in White Plains, N.Y., just outside New York City and near the Melissa & Doug headquarters in Wilton, Conn. As the company’s first brick-and-mortar location in its 35-year history, the store will feature a wide selection of the brand’s top-selling toys across categories including pretend play sets, learning …
Bolingbrook, Ill. — Ulta Beauty, Inc. has promoted its chief operating officer, Kecia L. Steelman, to president and chief operating officer. “Kecia is a talented executive with a proven track record of driving operational excellence while fostering a caring and inclusive culture and creating exceptional guest experiences,” says Dave Kimbell, chief executive officer. “Over the last year, Kecia has increased her scope and influence within our organization, and this expanded role recognizes her value to the company and her many contributions to our success, while also demonstrating our ongoing confidence …
Dodgeville, Wis. — Lands’ End, Inc. has named Bernard McCracken — interim CFO since January 2023 and chief accounting officer since April 2014 — as its new chief financial officer. “Bernie McCracken has been an integral member of our finance organization for over 9 years and has demonstrated the financial acumen, executive leadership and track record to lead our financial organization with excellence,” says Andrew McLean, CEO of Lands’ End. “Having worked closely with Bernie over the past 8 months, I am confident that his appointment best positions Lands’ End …