Williams Sonoma

3 Stories

Williams-Sonoma Founder Dies at 100
 Williams-Sonoma 
 Founder Dies at 100 
OBITUARY

Williams-Sonoma Founder Dies at 100

Chuck Williams' culinary dynasty was inspired by a trip to France

(Newser) - Chuck Williams, who founded the Williams-Sonoma empire and ushered in an era of aspirational culinary retailing, has died. He was 100. The retailer of high-end home goods said Williams died of natural causes Saturday at home in San Francisco. Williams opened his first Williams-Sonoma store in Sonoma, Calif., in 1956...

For Retail Workers, Big Bro Is Tracking

Computer systems help max productivity, cut costs

(Newser) - As a sluggish economy pinches retailers, many are now turning to computer programs to track employee productivity, the Wall Street Journal reports. At Ann Taylor stores, a computer system calculates average sales per hour, units sold, and dollars per transaction —then automatically schedules the best workers during the store’...

Top Telecom Exec Takes Over As Qwest CEO

Edward Mueller headed Ameritech, PacBell

(Newser) - A top telecom veteran has been named CEO of struggling Qwest. Edward Mueller, 60-year-old former chief executive of Ameritech and Williams-Sonoma, takes the reins  from Dick Notebaert, who ran the company for five years, the Wall Street Journal  reports. The country's fourth-largest telephone company, Qwest faces increased pressure from competitors...

3 Stories
Most Read on Newser