Guitar Center

Guitar Center renewed its license with Applied Predictive Technologies to roll out its Test & Learn Management Solution both in-store and online. The musical instrument retailer is using the solution to drive high-impact retail tests throughout the organization to support business actions.

Wish Lists Spur Customer Acquisition for Guitar Center; Holiday Promotions Bring Prospects?to eBags; Walgreens/L.A. Times Help Santa Help Them

People On the Move MCM Electronics: Phil Minix has been named president of Centerville, Ohio-based B-to-B catalog distributor MCM Electronics. A member of the Catalog Success editorial board, Minix is a 12-year veteran of the catalog/direct business. He most recently served as president of Astral Direct. Prior to that, he worked at Reiman Publications and J. Schmid & Assoc. Sharper Image: Andrew P. Reich has been named EVP of merchandising. James Sander has been named SVP, general counsel and corporate secretary. Eddie Bauer: Neil S. Fiske, the head of Limited Brands’ Bath and Body Works, has been appointed president and CEO. Fiske, 45,

Catalogers’ Updates Acquisitions Multichannel apparel and home products merchant Appleseed’s, a portfolio company of private equity firm Golden Gate capital, acquired in January apparel and home goods cataloger Blair Corp. The deal, expected to close later this spring, is valued at $173.6 million. Musician’s Friend catalog, a subsidiary of Guitar Center, in February acquired multititle musical instrument merchant The Woodwind and Brasswind. The $29.9 million transaction has been approved following a stalled purchase attempt in November. Finance Private equity firm Parallel Investment Part-ners in January completed the recapitalization of multichannel outdoor apparel and equipment merchant Moosejaw Mountaineering and Backcountry Travel. Furthermore … Multititle general merchandise cataloger Miles Kimball Co. will