Retail briefs

Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 10/8/2001 12:00:00 AM

Wal-Mart plans expansion

Wal-Mart Stores said it plans to open 50 new discount stores and 180-185 new supercenters next year, increasing its plans for super store openings due to strong financial results for the format. The company also said it will open 50 to 55 Sam's Club warehouse clubs in the United States and 15 to 20 Neighborhood Market stores in the fiscal year that begins in February. The company also said it will open 120 to 130 international units in countries where it already has stores.

In other company news, Wal-Mart Canada announced it has added more than 3,000 permanent new jobs to its Canadian work force as it prepares to unveil 15 new stores across the country by the end of the year.

Kmart promotes executives

Kmart has announced the promotion of Barbara Firment to vp, advertising and in-store event marketing, and Rick Noechel, to vp, controller. Firment will report to Doug Meissner, senior vp, sales and marketing, and will oversee the weekly circular, newspaper advertising and in-store events. Most recently operations, vp, advertising, Firment replaces Larry Davis. Noechel, who joined Kmart this year as divisional vp, financial reporting, will report directly to John McDonald Jr., senior vp, finance and treasurer.

Lands' End announces changes in financial management

Lands' End has announced that Terry Janes, treasurer, has been named director of finance and administration, a new position, for the company's corporate sales division. A nine-year Lands' End employee, Janes reports to Vincent Gallucci, vp, corporate sales. In addition, Doug Eklund has been promoted to treasurer from his position of treasury manager. A seven-year Lands' End veteran, Eklund will report to Don Hughes, cfo.