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Thanks to a combination of neglect, mismanagement, a weak economy and the ever-changing dynamics of retail, the unthinkable may happen. After years on death watch, Sears Holding may actually fall — joining the ranks of retailers like Borders and Blockbuster as mere entries in the archives of Wikipedia. A new round of store closings was recently announced. Key executives are leaving. Sales have been in steady decline for years. These aren't good signs.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens has named Reuben Slone as SVP supply chain management, where he will have leadership responsibility for distribution, transportation, systems integration and engineering, Lean and Six Sigma supply chain initiatives and...

Hingham, Mass.-based Talbots expects to close approximately 110 locations and focus on store reimaging through fiscal 2013. In fiscal 2011, the company refreshed and reimaged approximately 70 locations, including consolidations and downsizings. The company also closed 82 locations, including 69 full-line stores, during fiscal 2011. As announced in December 2011, Talbots’ board of directors is exploring a full range of strategic alternatives. Pending that evaluation, the company will continue to pursue its long-range plan to invest in key strategic initiatives, specifically the expansion of its upscale outlet business and store reimaging initiative. 

Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal by , Web Producer Related: Banking & Financial Services, Commercial Real Estate, Retailing & Restaurants Wikimedia Commons, Steve Morgan Web Producer - Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal Email | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn Struggling Christopher & Banks Corp. Christopher & Banks Corp. Latest from The Business Journals Follow this company made another change at the top of its organization Tuesday. The women's apparel retailer said Chief Financial Officer Michael Lyftogt was returning to his previous position as chief accounting officer.

Multichannel retailer HSN and House Beautiful magazine have partnered to launch House Beautiful Marketplace, a decor destination offering home furnishing items. House Beautiful Marketplace's collection will include a variety of design styles, from classic to modern. Each month, House Beautiful editors will feature hand-selected items on HSN.com in House Beautiful Picks, as well as contributing exclusive editorial content, advice and inspiration. This partnership will allow consumers to shop on-air, online or via mobile device. 

A study released Tuesday by commerce provider Innotrac Corp. provided insights into how today’s e-tailers are faring in terms of online progression. The study, called SmartHub, evaluated 100 leading U.S. e-retailers across six different product categories in February. It found that the average number of checkout pages required to complete an order was three. Only 7 percent of merchants surveyed offered one-page checkout as an option.

Wal-Mart said it will hire 100 additional developers in India as part of its @WalmartLabs unit, which is focused on growing the retailer’s social media and mobile presence globally. In November, WalmartLabs, under the retailer’s global e-commerce group, will build an operation in India to use social media and digital technology to attract shoppers.

Target Corp. will celebrate Earth Day by distributing 1.5 million reusable bags in all of its stores on April 22. In addition, Target will offer guests simple, sustainable solutions and more than $50 in savings on sustainable products throughout April in its stores and via a limited-time website. The retailer also will partner with Recyclebank, an organization that promotes sustainable decisions by allowing individuals to earn rewards for actions like recycling and reducing water use.

Macy's will soon have a Brazilian feel when the company debuts "O Mercado, the Market at Macy's" on April 22 in about 300 stores and online at Macys.com. The company describes O Mercado as a curated shop of Brazilian products, and it's the next installation of the retailer's "Brasil: A Magical Journey" campaign, which will officially kick off on May 16. "Brazil's burgeoning international appeal and enchanting culture inspired us to create a unique shopping environment that will bring even more newness, color and excitement to our stores," said Martine Reardon, Macy's chief marketing officer.

Minneapolis -- Christopher & Banks Corp. announced that Peter Michielutti will be joining the company on April 23, 2012 as senior VP, CFO. He replaces Michael Lyftogt, who will return to his prior position as chief accounting officer. Michielutti brings more than 20 years of financial leadership experience to Christopher & Banks. Most recently he served as senior VP and CFO at CSM Corp., a commercial real estate company. He has an extensive retail background, having held the CFO position at Whitehall Jewelers, Wilsons Leather and Fingerhut.