Management

Retail needs to adapt or die. That was the call to action sounded by Eddie Lampert, founder of ESL Partners, which controls about 60 percent of Sears Holdings. Lampert said changes in the retail industry have been great for consumers, but there's a question about whether they've been great for businesses. “J.C. Penney is in need of reinvention, Sears is in need of reinvention, Best Buy [is] in need of reinvention,” he said. “And that means that you’re going to have to try new things. That doesn’t mean you're going to be successful, but you have to try to change.”

Saks has named Michael Burgess as president of its direct business, effective May 7. Burgess will report to Denise Incandela, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Saks Fifth Avenue and current president of Saks direct. Burgess has served as executive vice president of the consumer division of FTD at United Online since 2008, where he led merchandising, marketing, consumer information technology and several other functions of the growing FTD North America business segment. 

West Marine said Tuesday that its President and CEO Geoff Eisenberg will resign once a new chief is appointed. Following a leadership transition period, Eisenberg will serve as a special advisor to the West Marine board of directors. West Marine has already initiated the search for a new CEO. No reason has been given for Eisenberg’s departure.

Under Armour, a cross-channel retailer of performance apparel, footwear and accessories, announced that Karl-Heinz ("Charlie") Maurath has been named president, Under Armour International, effective September 2012. Maurath brings more than 20 years of executive leadership experience to his new role at Under Armour, which will include driving international growth, leading the brand's strategic expansion into key global markets and overseeing Under Armour's international business in Europe, Asia and the Americas.

Target Corp. has named a former Gap executive to replace the departed Michael Francis as chief marketing officer. Jeffrey Jones II, who most recently was a partner and president of McKinney, an advertising agency based in Durham, N.C., has taken on the role of Target’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer, effective immediately. "We're very excited to welcome Jeff to the Target team," said chairman, president and chief executive officer Gregg Steinhafel.

Specialty apparel and accessories retailer Charming Charlie has appointed four retail executives as part of the ongoing development of the company’s internal structure and another step in its ongoing national expansion, including the opening of 60 retail locations in 2012. 

Recreational Equipment Inc. has promoted Bill Baumann and Brad Brown to senior vice president, information technology and e-commerce and direct sales, respectively. In addition, Kathleen Peterson has been named vice president of private brands for REI. "Bill and Brad's promotions recognize the strategic importance of the information technology and e-commerce divisions to provide the infrastructure required to support REI's growth over the next five years," said Brian Unmacht, REI's executive vice president. "Kathleen's remarkable 25-year career with premier global brands serves her well as she leads the expansion of our award-winning branded gear and apparel offerings." 

On orders of the U.S. Department of Defense, The Army and Air Force Exchange Service will for the first time in its 116-year history name a civilian to the role of CEO/director. Until such a person is named, Chief Operating Officer Mike Howard will take over as acting CEO/director as the organization’s board of directors seeks a permanent replacement. The Army and Air Force Exchange Service will hold a "Change of Responsibility” ceremony in Dallas to mark the retirement of the Exchange’s current commander, Maj. Gen. Bruce Casella, after more than 36 years of service. 

Michaels Stores, the arts-and-crafts retailer owned by the Blackstone Group and Bain Capital, plans to file to go public as soon as next week, according to people briefed on the matter. The initial public offering could be one of the biggest of the year.

I discovered the Japanese fashion chain Uniqlo from walking by the retailer's store on 34th Street in New York City. The windows got my attention because they reminded me of what Benetton stores used to be — colorful and fun — and all mannequins were wearing Moon Boots (it was winter).