OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

Columbus, Ohio – Big Lots will open at 7 a.m. Thanksgiving morning and 6 a.m. on Black Friday. The retailer will offer one-day special offers on Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday, and Saturday as well as three-day discounts.

In addition, on all three days, shoppers who spend $50 or more will receive a coupon worth $10 off their next purchase between Dec. 1 to Dec. 14.

Washington, D.C. - Earlier this month in Dhaka, Bangladesh, the International Labor Organization (ILO), technical experts from the Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety, the Accord on Fire and Building Safety, and the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) came to agreement on a common, minimum criterion for fire and structural inspection safety standards, pending a few final modifications.

Chicago -- Retail industry veteran Steve Embree has joined the executive leadership team of spin photography services and solutions provider Snap36 as director of business development. Embree is responsible for driving business development and go-to-market strategies for Snap36 across both B2C and B2B markets.

Bentonville, Ark. -- The National Labor Relations Board has reportedly determined that Wal-Mart acted illegally when it disciplined and fired employees who had been involved in strikes and other labor protest activities. According to the New York Times, the board investigated actions taken last year against about 100 Wal-Mart employees in stores across 12 states including California, Colorado, Texas and Massachusetts.

Cincinnati — To supply families in need with fresh food this holiday season, Kroger customers and associates will be able to purchase pre-filled bags and boxes of food to be added to collection barrels.

Clearwater, Fla. – Recreational boat retailer MarineMax has named Frances Allen, executive VP and chief brand officer for Denny’s Corporation, to its board of directors. Prior to joining Denny’s, Allen was chief marketing officer for Dunkin Donuts. Her prior roles also include managing marketing efforts at Sony Ericsson Mobil Communications, Pepsi-Cola North America and Frito-Lay.

Woonsocket, R.I. -- CVS Caremark has appointed Tracy Bahl to the position of executive VP, health plans. In this role, Bahl will lead the teams responsible for supporting health plan clients while also offering health plans guidance.

New York — Nielsen, a provider of information and insights into what consumers watch and buy, has announced that Delhaize America has signed a long-term agreement selecting Nielsen as its primary information, insights and analytics partner.  

Delhaize, the parent company of Food Lion, Hannaford, and Bottom Dollar Food, will use Nielsen tools, data and resources to help guide its strategic and tactical business needs.