Retail Briefs

Jim Whitehead has joined Redcats USA as vice president of Brylane Home. Whitehead previously was chief merchant, soft home, at The Great Indoors. He reports to Gary Kazmer, executive vice president, Home Lifestyles Group.

Anita Iodice, who formerly was vice president, has left the company.

In other Brylane news, the company has introduced a new bath towel, the Chubby, which it describes as “bigger, better, thirstier.” The introductory price on the 27-by-53-inch bath towel is $7.99, marked down from its everyday retail of $9.99. The ringspun cotton towel is available in 20 colors. In addition to a 24-by-64-inch bath sheet, Brylane is also offering a coordinating bath rug, contour rug and lid cover.

Kassie Jones will join Stein Mart May 20 as general merchandise manager, home.

Jones, who will report to Mike Fisher, president and CEO, succeeds Pat Stagner who left the company earlier this year. She most recently was merchandise manager for home at Home Shopping Network and earlier had been vice president, general merchandise manager, home, at The Great Indoors.

Amazon Services, Inc. and Macy's have reached a deal that will make Macy's products available on Amazon.com ( amazon.cwwwom/macys). Macy's will fulfill the orders.

Amazon Services has also been engaged by Sears Canada to build its new Web site. According to the two companies, the deal will better allow Sears to control its brand and online business.

Admitting it was “a little thin” on inventories of home textiles during the first quarter, Linen 'n Things plans on building back up its assortment in these categories this quarter and beyond, the company said during the Lehman Brothers Eighth Annual Retail Seminar last week.

The company said it is focused on improving its inventory management. During the first quarter, LNT's inventory was down about 6 percent compared with the previous year, when it was 4 percent lower than the prior year.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. has promoted John Fleming to executive vice president and chief marketing officer, effective May 2.

Fleming will succeed Robert Connolly, who will retire at the end of the year. In the interim, Connolly will remain an active member of the senior management team with responsibility for several strategic initiatives.

Currently president and CEO of Wal-mart.com, Fleming will retain oversight of the company's online business as well as assume responsibility for all marketing and consumer communications programs, including advertising, consumer research, visual merchandising, signage, point-of-sale programs and all in-store promotional materials.