Starbucks has appointed Deverl Maserang as EVP of the company’s global supply chain organization. In this role, he will be accountable for end-to-end supply chain operations.

Indianapolis-based appliance and electronics retailer HH Gregg is looking to Leo Burnett USA and Spark SMG, a full-service media agency of Starcom MediaVest Group, to help it expand brand awareness for its products.

Kohl’s plans to leverage cloud technology so it can focus on core business and meet peak seasonal demands. To that end, the company has entered into a long-term, multi-year contract to migrate its contact center to the Interactive Intelligence Communications-as-a-Service solution.

Online and mobile marketing have turned the retail supply chain upside-down. Gone are the days of moving volumes of product in efficient, bulk moves to stores across the world. Today, smaller shipments rule the supply chain, delivering — literally — on brand promises to ensure receipt of single, customized packages under same-day or next-day delivery.

Nordstrom reported its first quarter net income fell a greater-than-expected 3%, hurt by weak demand for spring merchandise and softer performance in the Northeast and Midwest. The company also lowered its full-year sales forecast.

ECRM compared retail circular advertising in April 2012 vs. April 2013 and noticed some common overall trends across top retail chains. While looking at the data, the biggest change from April 2012 to April 2013 came from Lowe’s Home Improvement.

Body Central Corp., a multichannel, specialty retailer that offers on-trend apparel and accessories at value prices, has appointed Donna R. Ecton as non-executive chairman of the board. Ecton has been a director of Body Central Corp. since May 2011.

Kroger corporate officer and SVP for human resources Kathleen Barclay was among 10 women named a YWCA Career Woman of Achievement.

RadioShack has partnered with Maker Media, the creators of Make Magazine, Makezine.com, and Maker Faire, to tap into the DIY market. Maker Media and RadioShack will collaborate on an expansive DIY product lineup.

Same store sales at Walmart's U.S. stores declined 1.4% in the first quarter, but the retailer forecasts comps should rebound during the second quarter.

SpongeBob and Patrick are heading to Build-A-Bear Workshop thanks to an agreement between the retailer and Nickelodeon. Beginning Friday, May 17, customers will be able to make their own SpongeBob and Patrick dolls at Build-A-Bear Workshop stores.