Retail Briefs

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 9/27/2004 12:00:00 AM

Mervyn's gets help to find CEO

Mervyn's has hired executive-search firm Herbert Mines Associates to help it find a new CEO.

Herbert Mines Associates focuses on the retail, fashion, and consumer-products industries. The previous president, Diane Neal, resigned from the company. Mervyn's was sold in July to investment firms Sun Capital Partners, Ceberus Capital Management and Adler/Klaff Partners.

Retailers head into holiday

After subdued growth in the third quarter, retailers have a lot riding on the upcoming holiday season, which accounts for nearly one-quarter (22.83 percent) of annual retail sales, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF).

Total holiday retail sales are projected to increase 4.5 percent over last holiday, bringing holiday spending to $219.9 billion. The NRF defines “holiday retail sales” as sales in November and December for retail stores in the GAFS category: general merchandise stores, clothing and clothing accessories stores, furniture and home furnishings stores, electronics and appliance stores, and sporting goods, hobby, book and music stores.

Said NRF Chief Economist Rosalind Wells, “Home-related merchandise and consumer electronics should do well this holiday season, and trendy fashions should help spark clothing sales.”

Sears launches Pennington ads

Sears, Roebuck and Co. is launched a new ad campaign, the first of which will featured Ty Pennington of ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

Pennington starred in four ads, which debuted nationwide last week during morning programs and network season premieres, including “Everybody Loves Raymond” and “CSI: Miami.” Additional ads featuring Pennington are being planned for the 2004 holiday season.

In addition to the advertising campaign, Pennington is currently involved with Sears' marketing promotions, public relations, community outreach and in-store appearances. He also is partnering with the company's product design and development team to conceive new products, which are expected to appear in Sears' stores next year.

Ikea wins Working Mother honors

Ikea has been named one of the 100 best companies for working mothers for the second-consecutive year by Working Mother Magazine.

The company was noted for its benefits, family friendly programs, and innovative training programs.

“Once again, we're thrilled to receive this honor, and excited for our coworkers who make Ikea a great place to work,” said Kathy Kane, head of human resources for Ikea North America. “Depending on the diverse needs of our coworkers, benefits can mean tuition assistance to help achieve educational goals, lactation rooms for nursing mothers, discounts for weight loss and smoking cessation services, as well as flextime, which makes it possible for many working mothers (and fathers) to manage their families' busy schedules.”