Dive Summary:

• Kirkland's president and CEO Robert Alderson announced Thursday his plans to retire after 27 years with the home decor retailer.
• Alderson's resignation is effective beginning Feb. 1, 2014, or the end of fiscal 2013.
• Chairman Wilson Orr praised Alderson's exemplary leadership and dedication to the company over the last three decades.

From the article:

... Alderson noted, "Over the past five years, we've restored Kirkland's stability and significantly enhanced its profitability. We've also completed a huge amount of foundational work in systems, e-commerce, marketing, merchandising process, real estate and store operations. Over the course of the year, we will continue to work on substantially upgrading our merchandising talent and leadership. I have enjoyed the last 27 years at Kirkland's, but now is the right time to begin recasting the leadership." ...