Labor & Employment

NEW YORK — JCPenney is inviting customers to make a difference this February by rounding up their purches to the nearest whole dollar and donate the difference to benefit Dress for Success, an organization that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. 

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Lowe’s has named Stephen Szilagyi to the post of supply chain executive, reporting to Rick Damron, COO.

In his new role, Szilagyi will oversee Lowe’s logistics and distribution network that expedites the replenishment of merchandise and supplies to all Lowe’s stores.

CINCINNATI — Robert Moeder, president of Kroger's central division, is retiring from the company after more than 40 years in the retail industry.

Organized labor was dealt a setback in its attacks on Walmart on Thursday when the National Labor Relations Board sided with the retailer in a dispute involving the United Food and Commercial Workers.

The UFCW reached a settlement with Walmart stemming from demonstrations the union organized at various Walmart stores on Black Friday. The protests received considerable media attention at the time as the union sought to persuade Walmart employees to walk off the job on the busiest day of the year.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid reported a slight increase in same-store sales for the month of January, thanks in part to strong sales of flu products.

New York -- Labor groups that have long spoken out against Wal-Mart Stores will stop much of their picketing against the world's largest retailer, though they still plan to continue to push the company to improve working conditions.

The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, or UFCW, and OUR Walmart reached an agreement with the National Labor Relations Board, the groups and Walmart said on Thursday.

Mooresville, N.C. -- Lowe’s Cos. has named Stephen Szilagyi to the post of supply chain executive, reporting to Rick Damron, COO.

In his new role, Szilagyi will oversee Lowe’s logistics and distribution network that expedites the replenishment of merchandise and supplies to all Lowe’s stores.

Szilagyi has more than 25 years of supply chain experience, including leadership roles prior to Lowe’s in wholesale distribution and retail/consumer products supply chain consulting services.

London -- John Lewis department stores said Thursday it has appointed Mark Lewis as online director for the chain, effective March 4.
 
Lewis was previously CEO of Collect+, and also spent six years at eBay in roles including U.K. managing director and European marketplaces director.

NEW YORK — Ahold USA has named Mark McGowan as EVP merchandising. He will lead a merchandising team that supports Ahold USA and its four divisions: Stop & Shop New England, Stop & Shop New York Metro, Giant Landover and Giant Carlisle.

McGowan had previously served as EVP supply chain for Ahold USA and previously led the Boston division of Stop & Shop.

OMAHA, Neb. & ST. LOUIS — ConAgra Foods has completed its acquisition of Ralcorp Holdings. ConAgra Foods agreed to acquire Ralcorp on Nov. 26, 2012, for $90.00 in cash per share of Ralcorp common stock. The closing of the transaction follows the approval of the acquisition by Ralcorp’s shareholders on January 29, and the receipt of all required regulatory approvals.