Management

Department stores have been under siege for decades, but lately their fortunes have hit a new low that could spark a wave of deal making that could sweep up companies such as Kohl’s Corp. Kohl’s, a national department-store chain with roughly 1,200 stores, is debating whether to pursue more drastic action, such as taking itself private…

Investment firm Starboard Value has urged department store chain Macy's to push for realizing greater value from its real-estate holdings, including its famous Herald Square store in New York, The Wall Street Journal reported. The activist investor, in a letter and presentation to Macy's management on Sunday, said although it supports the retail chain's plans of cost…

Howard Levine is stepping down as chief executive officer of Matthews, N.C.-based Family Dollar on Jan. 15, the company announced Friday. Levine’s departure follows Virginia-based Dollar Tree’s acquisition of Family Dollar last summer. At the time, the company had said Levine would remain with the company for two years to assist with the integration, reporting to…

Troubled retailer American Apparel Inc. has received a takeover bid of more than $200 million from an investor — part of a plan that would return ousted Chief Executive Dov Charney back to the company, according to a person familiar with the situation. The Los Angeles clothing manufacturer, which filed for Chapter 11 protection in October,…

The Finish Line, the retail chain specializing in athletic shoes, Thursday named a new CEO, revealed a loss for the fiscal third quarter and said it would close about 25 percent of its stores. Sam Sato, currently the retailer’s president, has been promoted to replace Glenn Lyon as CEO, effective Feb. 28. Lyon, who is also…

Macy’s said on Wednesday that it would eliminate about 4,500 jobs, or about 3 percent of its work force, in a major restructuring drive. It said slumping holiday season sales hurt its bottom line. The department store chain’s holiday woes were a harbinger of what could be a difficult winter for retailing.

Retiring CEO Carol Meyrowitz is, without doubt, my pick for Retailer of the Year. Her leadership in her company, and the retail industry, is a real achievement. She is a mentor to her associates and a true visionary. With the exception of Ms. Meyrowitz, the retail industry is largely void of dynamic leadership. In the many…

As Abercrombie & Fitch Co. works to right its slumped sales and revamp its namesake brand's identity, the company is also getting an executive overhaul. On Tuesday, the retailer announced the departure of Abercrombie & Fitch brand President Christos Angelides and the promotion of Fran Horowitz, who was hired as president of Hollister at the…

Lillian Vernon, who created a sprawling catalog business that specialized in personalized gifts and ingenious gadgets and made her an American household name, died on Monday in Manhattan. She was 88. Her death was confirmed by her son Fred P. Hochberg.

Dallas-based retailer Tuesday Morning Corp., a chain of 750 stores that sell closeout gifts and home merchandise, has named Steven R. Becker, 49, chief executive officer. Becker gained control of the deep discount chain’s board in June 2012 when Dallas hedge fund Becker Drapkin Management L.P. first disclosed a 5 percent state in the company.…