Personnel Updates:

Fred’s Super Dollar board of directors of has named Jerry Shore CEO of the company. Shore’s promotion follows the board’s receipt and acceptance of notification by Bruce Efird of his intention to leave the company upon the expiration of his employment contract.  Shore has served as the company’s Exec VP and CFO for more than 14 years and assumed the additional title of COO in January of this year.

In connection with the change in Fred’s leadership, the company also has promoted VP and Controller Sherri Tagg to the position of Chief Accounting Officer. Fred’s has been working with an executive search firm to fill the vacant position of President and COO and anticipates filling that slot very soon.

MetroPCS Communications announced the departure of Jana Kelly who led mobile device supply-chain strategy.

Rent-A-Center appointed Ms. Kelly to the post of VP Inventory Management.

Office Depot announced that Guillermo Rodriguez, Director of Private Brand Manufacturing, has left the company to accept the role of VP North America Retail Management with TÜV Rheinland, a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification services.

PostNet announced that former Mrs. Field’s executive Neal Courtney has been named the company’s new COO.

QVC, Inc. announced the promotion of Mary Campbell to the position of Executive Vice President, US Commerce Platforms.

QVC, Inc. has announced that Ken O’Brien has been promoted to the role of Senior VP of Merchandising.

Staples has announced that executive Kyle Marchesseault has left the company after seven years and was named director of marketing at Blueport Commerce, a company that describes itself as the omnichannel solution for the furniture industry.

Things Remembered announced that Lisa Gavales was named President and CEO of the retailer where she plans to further evolve the retailer’s omnichannel offering.

Things Remembered operates 600 stores nationwide that are integrated with its Web site to allow for online ordering and same day pick up. Gavales will join the company November 10 to fill the position being vacated by Michael Anthony. He is relinquishing the CEO title after eight years but will remain as chairman of the board.

Industry Insight:

Garden Ridge has completed its rebranding and will now go by the corporate name of At Home.  All stores now display the trade name At Home. This corporate change was begun several months ago as plans called for stores to gradually convert to the new name and formatting.