People Briefs

Rural discount merchandiser Duckwall-ALCO announced that James Schoenbeck, svp of real estate, is retiring after more than 32 years with the company.

Phillip Hixon has been promoted to svp of store development; he will assume responsibility for real estate while continuing to direct the store opening process and merchandising presentation efforts. Hixon joined the 282-store company in 2006 from craft specialty retailer Michael's Stores.

Veratex has hired Michael Talbert to handle sales in the bedding and bath categories in the Southeastern and Midwestern United States.Talbert has worked in the industry for more than 30 years. He was previously with Kenneth Home Fashions, Home Curtain, and Croscill.

Howie Mallow has joined Achim Importing as evp of sales and marketing. He will be based out of the Brooklyn-based company's Manhattan office in the Textile Building at 295 5th Avenue, Suite 1509.

Achim Importing is a supplier of soft and hard window products as well as flooring. Mallow will report directly to Marton and Isaac Grossman, the chairmen, ceos and owners of Achim Importing. Mallow comes with an extensive background in both retail, as vp and gmm at K&F/Frankels, and wholesale as evp of sales at Windham Weavers.

Art licensing agency Courtney Davis, Inc. has named Sam Abell president, while founder Linda Balogh will remain ceo.

Since joining Courtney Davis in 2005, Abell has worked to enhance the licensed product lines of artists such as Susan Winget and Lori Siebert, and to bring on new artists to broaden the range of distinct and unique art statements.

Retired Deloitte & Touche partner Irwin Cohen has been named to board of directors of specialty retailer Stein Mart. At Deloitte & Touche, Cohen was most recently the global managing partner of the consumer products, retail and services practice. He is currently a senior advisor at the Peter J. Solomon Company. Cohen is also a member of the board of directors of SuperValu Inc.