On May 23, 2013, it was reported, teen apparel retailer Rue21 is to be acquired by private equity firm Apax Partners for US$1.1bn, in a move that will enable it to expand its store portfolio and build an e-commerce platform.
On May 17, 2013, it was reported, Kathleen Mason, former CEO of Tuesday Morning, has filed a lawsuit against her ex-employer in Dallas District Court claiming discrimination. Mason, who was fired last June, alleges that Tuesday Morning mistreated and then terminated her within months after learning she was suffering from breast cancer. "Kathleen Mason did more than any employee in Tuesday Morning's history to promote the company and make sure it was financially strong, but she ended up getting fired over the phone soon after telling board members that she was battling breast cancer. Our hope is that this lawsuit will hold Tuesday Morning accountable for discriminating against Kathleen based on assumptions about her ability to do her job despite her demonstrated effective leadership," said Mason's attorney Rogge Dunn of Clouse Dunn LLP. Mason had previously filed a discrimination claim with the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission. Tuesday Morning has not yet publicly commented on the suit or her allegations.
On May 16, 2013, it was reported, Monty Sihweil has been promoted to president of accent furniture specialist Butler Specialty. Sihweil, the first non-family member to become president of the 83-year-old company, most recently was executive vice president of sales. He has led Butler's growth for the last five years as a major resource for Internet retailers, according to the company. Third-generation owner David Bergman, formerly president and CEO, remains CEO. Sihweil reports to him.
On May 15, 2013, it was reported, Manufacturer Shenandoah Furniture expects to complete the purchase of the former Henredon Furniture plant in Mount Airy by the end of June. Company officials said they plan to employ 40 people to produce upper-medium upholstery at the plant and invest approximately $2 million in the 95,000-square-foot building. The company has been leasing a 60,000-square-foot building in Mount Airy since April 1. "We are excited about our long-term commitment to this community and look forward to working and growing in Mount Airy," said Candace Payne, president. Shenandoah Furniture is privately owned and began operations in Collinsville, Va. in 1981. The company built an additional plant in Martinsville, Va., in 1992 and added a third in Valdese, N.C., in 2006. It manufactures upholstery for private labels including Crate and Barrel, Room & Board and Design Within Reach.
