Management

The National Retail Federation welcomed President Obama's emphasis on job creation in his State of the Union address, saying jobs hold the key to restoring the nation's economic prosperity but also expressing caution at the President's emphasis on manufacturing.

Starbucks has released a letter in full support of same-sex marriage rights. It's a bold move considering just how much PR trouble other large brands like Home Depot are currently having with the issue.

Bon-Ton Stores said its Chief Executive Bud Bergren will move on to become the chairman of the board, and the company named Brendan Hoffman as its new top executive. Hoffman joins the department store operator after a stint at Lord & Taylor LLC, which was acquired by Hudson's Bay Co.

American Eagle Outfitters' CEO James O'Donnell will step down Saturday in a move that was expected. He will be replaced by former Levi's executive Robert Hanson. O'Donnell, 70, said early last year he planned to retire. Hanson was named as his successor in November after a lengthy search.

Gilt Groupe CEO Kevin Ryan said up to 90 of the company's 900 employees were being laid off. The departures include John Auerbach, who led the company's Park & Bond men's apparel site, and Nathan Richardson, who led the company's Gilt City daily deals operation.

J.C. Penney is reportedly planning layoffs that could affect all its stores. The department store chain is cutting positions that involve retagging and putting up temporary signs, according to the New York Post. The layoffs are expected to hit all 1,200 U.S. stores.

Gap says the president of its Old Navy brand has resigned, but the company also has secured a former merchandising employee to serve as a consultant to its struggling namesake brand. Tom Wyatt will leave Old Navy Feb. 3. The company named two senior executives to assume his duties while the company searches for a permanent replacement.

Results of the e-tailing group’s 14th Annual Mystery Shopping Study, conducted during the fourth quarter of 2011, recognizes nine merchants out of the 100 benchmarked for excelling at online customer service.

The National Retail Federation's Annual Convention & Expo wrapped up yesterday with a roundtable discussion on leadership. Lending their expert advice were seasoned retail leaders Stephen Sadove, chairman and CEO of Saks, who moderated the discussion; Marty Albertson, chairman of Guitar Center; Brian Devine, chairman of PETCO; Angela Ahrendts, CEO of Burberry; and Brenda Malloy, managing director and global retail practice leader, Russell Reynolds Associates.

Charming Shoppes announced that Elizabeth Crystal has joined Lane Bryant as senior vice president and chief marketing officer. Crystal will develop and lead the brand positioning, marketing and advertising strategies for the Lane Bryant and Cacique brands.