RETAILING

Trader Joe’s Founder Quits Sport Chalet Post: Joe Coulombe, the colorful founder of the gourmet food chain, resigned as interim president and chief executive of La Canada-based Sport Chalet after less than two months on the job. Coulombe had replaced Sam Allen, who resigned after 11 years with the company. Coulombe was brought in to help rebuild the 17-store chain, which expanded rapidly during the last few years but posted a small loss in fiscal 1994. A Sport Chalet spokesman said Coulombe’s departure stemmed from “management style differences” with company Chairman and founder Norbert Olberz. The Sport Chalet board is searching for a new chief executive, the spokesman said.