Personnel Updates
• BJ’s Wholesale Club (120) has named Lee Delaney as CEO. He succeeds Christopher J. Baldwin, who has been named Executive Chairman.
• David’s Bridal (71) has appointed its first-ever Chief Digital Experience Officer. The retailer announced the promotion of Lizzy Ellingson to the new role.
• Lululemon Athletica Inc. (68) announced that it has appointed Nikki Neuburger as Chief Brand Officer.
• Lowe’s Companies Inc. (127) appointed Marisa F. Thalberg as Exec VP, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer.
• Michaels Stores Inc. (54) announced Ashley Buchanan is joining the retailer as President and CEO after a transition period ending April 1. He will succeed Mark Cosby.
• Orgill Inc. (18) announced Randy Williams has been promoted to the role of Exec VP, Distribution. John Sieggreen has been promoted to the role of Exec VP, Retail and will also maintain his current role as President for Central Network Retail Group. Greg Stine has been promoted to Exec VP, Marketing and Communications.
• Roots Canada Ltd. (29) announced that it has appointed Meghan Roach as Interim CEO.
• Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (109) has named physician Kevin Ban to the role of Chief Medical Officer.
Financial Focus
• Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. has announced the completion of a sale-leaseback transaction with an affiliate of Oak Street Real Estate Capital. The retailer has sold nearly 2.1 million sq. ft. in commercial real estate including stores, office space and a distribution center.
• Hudson’s Bay Company has agreed to a new offer to go private.
Mergers and Acquisitions
• ABC Supply Co. Inc. has acquired the assets of Badger Building Supply of Milwaukee, WI.
• Foundation Building Materials LLC reported that it has completed its acquisition of Associated Drywall Suppliers Inc.
• Spahn & Rose Lumber Co. announced that it has reached an agreement to purchase Moeller & Walter, a full-service building design and materials store in Reinbeck, IA.
Industry Insight
• Albertsons LLC has introduced one- to two-hour prescription drug delivery in selected markets in Texas, California, Louisiana and Washington, DC.
• Universal Forest Products, Inc. reported that it has completed the reorganization of its operations and is now operating as UFP Industries.
Real Estate
• ABC Supply has opened its latest branch in Elmira, NY.
• Macy’s Inc. has revealed plans to close 30 stores in 19 states including California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Massachusetts and New York.
• Pier 1 Imports Inc. will close up to 450 stores, nearly half of its store locations.
Technology News
• Walmart Stores Inc. has been piloting a new technology called Alphabot that is designed to enable quicker, more efficient picking of online grocery orders at the store level.
