Hoffman Estates, Ill. — Claire’s U.S., the operator of Claire’s and Icing stores across the United States, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Delaware. The jewelry retailer listed both its liabilities and assets between $1 billion to $10 billion. Hoffman Estates-based Claire’s previously filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2018. Claire’s says that the proceedings will enable the company to immediately commence the monetization process for its assets to maximize value for the business. The retailer is continuing a comprehensive review of strategic alternatives, including discussions with potential …
retailers
Katy, Texas — Academy Sports + Outdoors has appointed Brandy Treadway to the role of executive vice president, chief legal officer and corporate secretary. She will oversee all enterprise legal, compliance and risk management functions supporting the company’s corporate, distribution centers and retail initiatives. Most recently, Treadway served as senior vice president, chief legal officer and corporate secretary for RumbleOn, Inc., based in Irving, Texas, and was previously a corporate partner at Martin Powers & Counsel, PLLC. She also served as senior vice president, general counsel & secretary at JCPenney. …
Phoenix — PetSmart, a leading omnichannel pet retailer, has appointed Jesica Duarte as executive vice president and chief commercial officer. In this role, Duarte will oversee merchandising, proprietary brands, merchandise planning & allocation, digital and marketing organizations at PetSmart. She joins PetSmart from Albertsons. “Jesica is a strategic and growth-minded leader, with an impressive career tenure working across successful retail brands,” says Ken Hicks, PetSmart’s president and CEO. Duarte has more than 30 years of leadership experience, having worked for some of the world’s most recognized brands across retail, grocery, …
The Other Overhead: Love Your Roof, Customers Will Thank You
A roof is often out of sight and out of mind for business operators, but failure to regularly inspect the roof risks more than voiding the roofing manufacturer’s warranty. An undetected and unaddressed leak, loose debris or similar rooftop hazard can expose a restaurant or retail operation to water damage, wildlife infestations, electrical failures and even fires. That’s why Justin Hicks, senior roofing account manager at MaintenX, encourages clients to schedule regular inspections by one of the company’s roofing experts. MaintenX is a facility maintenance provider serving multisite retailers, restaurants …
Oak Brook, Ill. — Ace Hardware, the world’s largest hardware cooperative, has opened its new Retail Support Center (RSC) in Kansas City, Mo. The new facility spans more than 1.5 million square feet, measuring a half-mile from end to end. It represents a major investment in Ace’s continued growth and commitment to supporting its network of independent retailers through best-in-class logistics and supply chain efficiency. “This new 1.5 million-square-foot facility in Kansas City is more than just a building — it’s a symbol of what hard work, purpose and servant-hearted …
Jersey City, N.J. — Onyx Partners of Boston has entered into a binding purchase and sale agreement to acquire 119 JCPenney stores from Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust, a real estate investment trust created as part of JCPenney’s 2020 Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, for $947 million. The sale price represents roughly $8 million per store property. The portfolio, which totals nearly 16 million square feet across 34 states, is net leased to JCPenney under a long term master lease with Penney Intermediate Holdings LLC. The all-cash sale is scheduled …
Atlanta — National golf retail chain PGA TOUR Superstore has named Troy Rice as its new chief executive officer. Rice comes to PGA TOUR Superstore after 3 years as CEO of retail beverage chain Total Wine & More. Rice will report directly to Arthur M. Blank, owner and chairman of Blank Family of Businesses. He will begin his new role at PGA TOUR Superstore on Sept. 2, 2025. Global search firm Russell Reynolds Associates led the search after Dick Sullivan, CEO of PGA TOUR Superstore for the last 15 years, …
San Francisco — Gap Inc. has named Maggie Gauger as global brand president and CEO of Athleta, effective August 1, as Chris Blakeslee steps down from the role. Gauger joins the company from Nike. “We are thrilled for Maggie Gauger to join as CEO of Athleta as we look to accelerate the brand’s reinvigoration,” says Richard Dickson, Gap Inc. CEO. “Maggie blends proven business transformation capabilities, deep consumer centricity, product fluency and a heartfelt commitment to empowering women and girls. This combination of skills and experiences will equip her to …
Irvine, Calif. — Effective August 18, 2025, Nate Smith will become president and chief executive officer and director of Tilly’s, Inc. In conjunction with this appointment, Hezy Shaked, co-founder, executive chairman and current president/CEO, will transition into the executive chairman role effective on that date. “On behalf of myself and the board, we are very excited to have Nate join our leadership team, and I am looking forward to working closely with him as he transitions into Tillys,” says Shaked. “We believe Nate’s combination of robust industry experience, core values …
Lakewood, Colo. — Leading salon suites franchise Sola Salons has closed another successful quarter, marking 20 units sold and another seven opened year-to-date, bringing the systemwide unit count to more than 750 locations. The brand also saw double-digit growth in leads, and occupancy across the system has continued to increase, as well. “With agreements inked for new Solas in key markets like Texas and New York and openings in Florida and California, our system is healthy and growing,” says Daryl Hurst, president and chief operating officer. “We’ve also opened up …