C-SUITE

WASHINGTON — U.S. consumer spending dropped 0.2% in April 2013, according to the Commerce Department.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway has appointed Barry Libenson as senior VP and CIO, effective July 1, 2013. Libenson replaces former Safeway CIO David Ching, who retired earlier this year. He will oversee IT business functions and report to executive VP Larree Renda.

Amid economic uncertainty and low consumer confidence levels, retail CFOs are expecting a 3% increase in total 2011 sales, according to a recent survey by BDO USA.

The retail world will lose one of its most colorful and respected CEOs when Costco Wholesale Club co-founder and chief executive Jim Sinegal steps down on January 1, 2012.

It’s not easy keeping up with the comings and goings of retail executives these days. Every day seems to bring a change at -- or near -- the top.

J.C. Penney marketing chief Mike Boylson is trading the retail game for another type of game entirely: baseball. The 32-year J.C.

The Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC) is taking place this week (July 10 – 14) in Los Angeles, with some 15,000 from around the globe in attendance at the Staples Center. It’s a huge event, with over 100 breakout sessions each day, 22 regional keynotes and country breakouts.

Teen apparel retailer rue21 is celebrating the opening of its 700th store, in New Braunfels, Texas. The chain is on track to open 110 locations this year. Commented president and CEO Bob Fisch: “We remain one of the fastest growing retailers in the nation.

Apple runs a really tight ship. That’s the takeaway of a recent Here are some other interesting insights from the article:

“The economic model of Outlet is the highest return on capital and is where customers gravitate," Gap CEO Glenn Murphy said at an investment conference in New York City, where he revealed the company will close 200 U.S. Gap stores and expand its outlet base.

Thinking of opening a store on Manhattan’s Fifth Ave? Be prepared to shell out some hefty rent.

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