Strategy

Somerset, England – British fashion retailer Mulberry operates vertically, selling its own products through a chain of 110 stores. Needing to support this endeavor through improved customer service levels, higher operational efficiency and a more responsive supply chain, in first quarter 2013 Mulberry selected JDA demand and fulfillment solutions, which the retailer will deploy though the JDA cloud services offering.

Minneapolis -- The Opus Group has completed construction of a 42,300-sq.-ft. store for outdoor retailer Gander Mountain in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Opus also constructed the Gander Mountain store in Valdosta, Ga., and provided construction management services for the store in Opelika, Ala. In addition, the retailer has awarded Opus a contract for a 45,600-sq.-ft. store in Albany, Ga.

John Crossman talks about his induction into the FSU Business Hall of Fame

In April, John Crossman, president of Orlando, Fla.-based real estate firm Crossman & Co., became the youngest inductee into the Florida State University College of Business Hall of Fame.

Established in 2003, FSU's College of Business Hall of Fame honors graduates who have excelled in their careers, earned significant recognition for professional achievements and community service, and made significant contributions to the mission of the College of Business.

Walmart said the head of its Indian operations left the company this week and named Ramnik Narsey, SVP of Walmart International, to serve as the interim leader for the company’s Indian business. To read more click here.

Englewood, Colo. – Michael Foss has been named CEO of The Sports Authority Inc. He replaced outgoing CEO Darrell Webb, who is retiring both as the company’s chief executive and chairman of the board.

Foss, a member of the board of directors of The Sports Authority since 2009, most recently served as executive VP and CFO at Petco Animal Supplies and as CFO of Circuit City Stores before that. He has 30 years of executive experience across a variety of verticals including retail.

Paula Deen fell from grace this week faster than a slab of butter melting in one of her opening price point pans Walmart no longer sells.

Walmart, as well as Home Depot, Target and Smithfield Foods, sought to distance themselves from Deen after racist comments she made during a deposition came to light and she was canned by the Food Network.

New York – Macy’s will pay $175,000 in civil penalties to the U.S. government in an agreement with the Department of Justice (DOJ) settling claims of mistreatment of immigrant workers. In addition to paying the $175,000 fine, Macy’s will also revise its employment eligibility reverification policies and procedures and to provide training to its human resources personnel across the country on the anti-discrimination provision of the Immigration and Naturalization Act (INA).

It seemed like everyone had a take on President Barack Obama’s big climate change speech this week and among them was Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., president and CEO Mike Duke.

Walmart had a comment from Duke ready to go less than an hour after the President concluded his remarks on Tuesday at Georgetown University. As expected, Duke applauded the president and his administration for their commitment to renewable energy and conservation and then piggybacked on the speech to tout Walmart’s own accomplishments and commitment to the renewable energy and conservation.