Brendan Hoffman will exit slumping retailer in 2015
Plus-size chain will immediately close 27 stores
Wintry February was company’s fourth straight monthly decline
New ceo Leavitt is seeking to create $4B empire
Store will emphasize makeup artist-level products
Digitally enhanced units will debut in May
Big box retailers are sharing information and technology
Plans would merge Safeway and Albertson’s for 2400-store operation
Retailer’s executives recently conducted a market evaluation trip to Delhi and Mumbai
Some see Michael Jones as next ceo
Cites online competition
Mass merchant is promising overhaul of information protection
Bankrupt retailer had expected to gain financing, keep going
Retailer reports recent system intrusions
Japanese banker doubts company would pay $5B
No. 1 supermarket chain reportedly seeking all or part of No. 2
Plus-size brand was closed last year
Same-store holiday sales fell 19 percent last year
Online e-tailer has new president, from Lululemon
Craig Menear seen as likely successor to Frank Blake