retailers

Irvine, Calif. — Gregory V. Hackman, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Boot Barn Holdings, Inc., plans to retire later this year. He will continue with the company until his retirement date, currently estimated for June, and transition his responsibilities to other company executives. “I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Greg for his 8 years with Boot Barn,” says Jim Conroy, president and chief executive officer. “Greg joined Boot Barn as our CFO in 2015, shortly after our IPO, and continued to take on more …

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Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — IT’SUGAR, one of the largest specialty candy retailers in the U.S., has opened its newest and largest candy department store at San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf. Spanning nearly 30,000 square feet and three floors, this massive candy department store is full of immersive candy experiences celebrating the world’s most popular and iconic “sugary” brands. “We are extremely excited to bring the ultimate sugar high to one of the world’s most visited tourist attractions — Fisherman’s Wharf — with our largest store yet,” says Jeff Rubin, founder and …

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New York City — Macy’s, Inc.’s chairman and chief executive officer, Jeff Gennette, plans to retire in February 2024 after serving the company for 40 years. Tony Spring, Macy’s executive vice president and Bloomingdale’s chairman and CEO, has been appointed by the board of directors as the company’s next president and CEO-elect, and a member of the board of directors. As president, Spring will be responsible for leading Macy’s, Inc.’s digital, customer, merchandising and brand teams, while overseeing Bloomingdale’s and bluemercury. As a part of the leadership transition, Macy’s chief …

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Phoenix — PetSmart has released its first annual corporate social responsibility (CSR) report. The report shares PetSmart’s progress across key priorities: (1) healthy and happy pets, (2) empowered people and (3) responsible stewardship. “This report captures the important progress we’ve made and sets the foundation for continued industry leadership across our commitments to our people, the pets in our care, the planet and the communities we serve,” says J.K. Symancyk, president and CEO of PetSmart. “I’m proud that our priorities reflect the thoughts, beliefs and passions of our more than …

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Charlotte, N.C. — Belk is opening five additional Belk Outlet locations as part of a new concept the retailer debuted at the start of 2023. For the first time in Belk’s almost 135-year history, the company launched Belk Outlet as an opportunity for customers to get the best brands at a great price. Belk’s Greeneville, Tenn., location pioneered the initiative as the company converted an existing store into the first Belk Outlet and opened its doors to the public on January 30. The feedback from customers was overwhelmingly positive, and …

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New York City — According to Tony Spring, Bloomingdale’s chairman and CEO, Denise Magid has been promoted to the newly created role of chief merchandising officer. She will report to Spring and will drive the strategic direction and performance of all Bloomingdale’s merchandising initiatives. The creation of the chief merchant role is a historic step for Bloomingdale’s and allows the brand to build on the momentum coming off its strong 2022 performance and its 150th anniversary celebration. “We are confident that Denise’s vision and leadership will continue to strengthen our …

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New York City — Foot Locker will close more than 400 underperforming stores as part of its “Lace Up” plan, announced during the company’s 2023 Investor Day call. According to Tony Aversa, senior vice president of global store development, the move is part of a strategy to manage portfolio risk by way of strategic closures. The company currently operates 2,700 locations, which will be reduced to approximately 2,400 by 2026, a number which also reflects the planned addition of stores in new formats. Despite the closures, Foot Locker intends to …

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— By Hayden Spiess —   Wild Birds Unlimited offers backyard bird feeding retail for an increasingly diverse customer base, with a growing flock of franchised locations.     Jim Carpenter’s aspirations were not always avian in nature. The founder and CEO of Wild Birds Unlimited originally had his sights set on medical school. However, in 1981 he pivoted, opening the first Wild Birds Unlimited store in Indianapolis, driven by a passion for nature and birding. This same passion unites Wild Bird Unlimited store owners, managers and customers across the …

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Milwaukee, Wis. — Kohl’s has unveiled the 250 stores that will be adding a full-sized, 2,500-square-foot Sephora at Kohl’s experience in 2023. The addition of 250 new locations brings the total Sephora at Kohl’s fleet to more than 850, achieving the partnership’s initial planned goal of the Sephora at Kohl’s rollout. “We are making great strides in building a formidable beauty business with the addition of Sephora at Kohl’s,” says Karen Daoust, Kohl’s senior vice president, general manager, Sephora at Kohl’s. “The completion of our 850 stores in 2023 is …

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Warrendale, Pa. — rue21, a leading American specialty retailer, has named Josh Burris as its chief executive officer and member of the board. Burris replaces Bill Brand, who announced in March 2023 his intention to step down as CEO. “I’m honored to be joining rue21 as CEO,” says Burris. “As a brand, rue21 serves the most vibrant and fastest-growing segments focused on affordable fashion that’s accessible to all, making it well positioned for growth. I’ve dedicated my career to building retail brands centered around the consumer and am excited to …

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