OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

New York - The importance of brand has increased tenfold for consumers in the past 17 years, currently standing at 30%. When the first wave of the Brand Keys Fashion Index was conducted in 1996, only 3% of U.S. apparel buyers felt fashion brands and their associated logos were of increasing importance to consumers.

Dayton, Ohio -- Retail design and brand strategy firm Interbrand Design Forum, the retail division of Interbrand, said it has hired Dirk Defenbaugh as managing director.

New York - Tiffany has appointed Francesca Amfitheatrof as design director effective immediately. She will oversee design of all Tiffany product categories.

Amfitheatrof’s background is as a jewelry designer and silversmith. Her designs have been sold internationally, including at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and Colette in Paris.

Jackson, Miss. -- Fresh casual restaurant brand Newk’s Eatery announced the hire of two new support center team members who will assist in the national expansion of the brand.

After nine years in business, Newk’s Eatery has entered a renewed growth mode, with 12 new restaurant locations planned to open before year end 2013. Newk’s currently operates and franchises 59 units in 11 states.

Plano, Texas – Coffee press manufacturer Bodum Group is reportedly suing J.C. Penney Co. for breach of contract. According to Reuters, Bodum filed a lawsuit in the New York State Supreme Court on Aug. 30 alleging the retailer did not live up to an agreement to build an agreed number of in-store Bodum specialty boutiques by March 2013.

 New York - Wayne Kulkin, former vice chairman of Stuart Weitzman, has been appointed CEO of the company, effective immediately. Kulkin will continue to report to Stuart Weitzman, executive chairman of Stuart Weitzman.

"Wayne has been a true partner over the last 23 years,” said Weitzman. “His passion, creativity and business acumen have been essential in driving our growth across diverse channels, and I am confident that Wayne will be equally instrumental in his new role as CEO.”

Dallas -- Tuesday Morning Corp. said it has appointed Jeffrey Boyer as executive VP, chief administrative officer and CFO, effective immediately. Boyer fills both the existing chief administrative officer vacancy and replaces outgoing CFO Stephanie Bowman.

Boyer previously was CFO, then COO of 24 Hour Fitness Worldwide, and has also served as CFO of Michael’s Stores and Kmart Corp.  

Carlisle, Pa. -- Ahold USA said that Giant Food of Landover, Md., divisional president Anthony Hucker is leaving his position, effective Sept. 13, to pursue another opportunity.

Ahold USA executive VP operations Bhavdeep Singh will oversee the Giant-Landover division on an interim basis until a permanent replacement is named, the company said.
 
Hucker was appointed president of Giant-Landover on October 2011, having previously worked at Walmart.