Labor & Employment

Togo's names former IHOP and Taco Bell exec as COO
San Jose, Calif. -- West Coast sandwich operator Togo's Eateries, Inc. has named Jim Peros as its new COO, charged with overseeing all operations and the expansion of the brand's restaurants throughout the West.
Retail sales rise ahead of holiday shopping
Washington, D.C. -- U.S. retail sales edged up in October, according to a report released by the Commerce Department, evidence that recent job gains and lower gas prices are lifting consumer spending as the holiday shopping season begins. Retail sales rose 0.3% last month after falling by the same amount in September. Excluding gas stations, where falling prices lowered spending, sales rose a solid 0.5%.

Wal-Mart workers plan to protest on Black Friday

Bentonville, Ark. -- For the third consecutive year, Wal-Mart workers at about 1,600 stores are prepping to protest on Black Friday to demand better wages and benefits. According to pressure group OUR Walmart, the protestors are demanding a $15/hour wage and consistent full-time hours.
Walmart gives gift of positive comps

Walmart’s same store sales turned positive during the third quarter, ending a two year drought, prompting the company to forecast a U.S. comp increase of as much as 1% during the fourth quarter.
TechBytes: Five Cool Ways Zappos Ensures Disruption and Innovation

I recently had the opportunity to visit the funky Las Vegas headquarters of online footwear/apparel/accessories retailer Zappos.com. Zappos is generally regarded as one of the most customer-friendly retailers around, and after seeing how things work behind the scenes I can attest this reputation is well deserved. Here are five cool ways Zappos uses corporate culture and innovation to disrupt the customer experience and behind-the-scenes operations.
Walmart gives gift of positive comps

Walmart’s same store sales turned positive during the third quarter, ending a two year drought, prompting the company to forecast a U.S. comp increase of as much as 1% during the fourth quarter.
Kronos to release gamification feature in Workforce Central suite
Report: Wal-Mart orders improved grocery sales

Bentonville, Ark. –- Wal-Mart Stores Inc. reportedly sent a memo to marketing managers on Oct. 2 saying that sales need to improve for chilled and fresh items in stores, including dairy, meat and produce.

According to the New York Times, the memo cited customer complaints about expired items, as well as the need for less backup inventory and the rotation of perishable items.
Body Central adds apparel expertise

Veteran apparel merchant Celia Clancy spent time at Bradlees, Walmart and TJX Companies. Now she is the newest member of struggling specialty retailer Body Central’s board of directors.
Chelsea Bagel leases second Manhattan location

New York City -- Chelsea Bagel, operating on West 14th Street for the past five years, has leased its second Manhattan location.

Togo's names former IHOP and Taco Bell exec as COO

Retail sales rise ahead of holiday shopping

Wal-Mart workers plan to protest on Black Friday

Walmart gives gift of positive comps

TechBytes: Five Cool Ways Zappos Ensures Disruption and Innovation

Walmart gives gift of positive comps

Kronos to release gamification feature in Workforce Central suite

Report: Wal-Mart orders improved grocery sales

Body Central adds apparel expertise

Chelsea Bagel leases second Manhattan location