Management

One of the biggest challenges for retailers today is obtaining customer loyalty. How do you retain the customers you already have, while at the same time attracting new ones? Gone are the days when retailers exclusively owned a person’s loyalty. In today’s competitive environment most retailers and brands are actively trying to figure out ways to grab that customer and divert their attention away from the competitive landscape.

The Tommy Hilfiger Group has named John Ermatinger CEO of the company's Asia business, effective Aug. 1. Ermatinger was previously president of Gap Asia Pacific for two years and president of Gap Japan for three years. Under his leadership, Gap successfully launched the brand in China.

Last week, an employee of the Whole Foods Market in Toronto sent this epic resignation letter to the entire company. It's an alternatingly amusing, enlightening and occasionally infuriating read — but a good read, nonetheless.

Gap announced John Ermatinger, president of Old Navy International, is leaving the company, effective July 29. The company also reiterated its intention of expanding Old Navy outside North America, with the opening of its first store in Japan slated by the end of 2012.

Staples announced the promotion of Christine Putur to chief information officer. In her new role, Putur will have global responsibility for information technology strategy and execution. Putur joined Staples in 1999, and has since held various leadership roles on the company’s e-commerce, technology strategy, program management and U.S. Retail technology teams. She most recently served as senior vice president, information systems, for the company’s North American Delivery businesses.

Art.com, a specialty provider of wall art, announced Ivy Ross has joined the company as chief merchandising officer. Ross, who comes to Art.com from Gap, will lead worldwide merchandising, branding and public relations for the company's three brands — Art.com, AllPosters.com and ArtistRising.com.

Kroger said it's promoted Mark Tuffin to president of its Smith’s Division, succeeding the retiring Jim Hallsey. Tuffin joined Smith's in 1996, and most recently served as vice president, merchandising. In 2009, he was named vice president, transition for Kroger. Tuffin will assume responsibilities upon Hallsey's retirement at the end of July.

Mike Boylson, J.C. Penney's longtime chief marketer, has retired. The retailer confirmed his departure and said it's begun a search for his successor. Boylson announced his plans to retire in early June, and left the company July 1. His retirement wasn't previously announced, despite his executive role and tenure at the company.

Although the nation is still struggling amid high unemployment rates, less people are applying for work in the retail industry. The latest Kronos Retail Labor Index, which measures the ratio of hires to applicants within a given month, rose to 3.7 percent in June from a revised 3.2 percent in May as a decline in applications outpaced a moderate decrease in hiring, according to the report by Kronos Inc.

Build-A-Bear Workshop President John Haugh said he will resign as the company’s president, as reported by the St. Louis Business Journal. Haugh’s resignation is effective July 22, according to an SEC filing. His successor hasn’t been named, but current duties will be filled in the interim by Chief Financial and Operations Officer Tina Klocke, Chief Entertainment Officer Teresa Kroll and Chief Executive Maxine Clark. Haugh has been at the helm since 2009.