Management

CVS Caremark has named its two highest ranking retail executives to jointly lead the company’s CVS/pharmacy business, effective immediately. Mike Bloom, executive vice president of merchandising and supply chain, and Scott Baker, executive vice president of internal operations and real estate, will jointly manage the chain’s retail business until CVS completes its search for a new president.

The Yankee Candle Company announced that John Fontana has joined the company as president of the international division, and Hope Margala Klein has been promoted to senior vice president, brand design and innovation.

Target Corporation announced that Tony Fisher has been named president of Target Canada. Fisher will be responsible for building the team, establishing the headquarters and leading the day-to-day operations of the corporation's recently announced expansion into Canada.

Family Dollar Stores announced that it has named Paul White to the position of senior vice president of apparel, home and seasonal. White will report to Dorlisa Flur, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer.

Clothing store chain The Wet Seal Inc. has hired fashion retail veteran Susan P. McGalla as CEO with a contract that runs through 2014. McGalla joins the company on Jan. 18, taking over from interim CEO Ed Thomas.

Barneys New York announced that Simon Doonan has been appointed to the new role of creative ambassador-at-large. Doonan will continue to be a key media spokesperson for the company, contribute to special window projects, host special events with customers and media, and serve as roving ambassador with links to all creative and communication areas, including social media.

Barnes & Noble’s earnings released on Tuesday underscore the remarkable rise of the electronic books business, a major attraction for prospective buyers of the company. Still, the company doesn’t seem to be in a hurry to sell.

When getting ready to sell a business, one of the first issues an owner must consider is the hiring of a business broker. Brokers can be especially helpful in the sale of a retail business because they handle a wide variety of tasks, including business evaluation, advertising or marketing the business, prospect interviews, negotiation, due diligence interactions, and other critical aspects of a sale.

While Black Friday has long been viewed as the traditional kickoff to the holiday shopping season, getting the frenzy started on Thanksgiving is a rather new development. A development that I find sad.

Increased online sales, more temporary stores and guarded optimism about the season are leading some retailers to expand their workforces more than usual for the holidays.