Supply Chain & Merchandising

99 Cents Only Stores reduced its loss in the second quarter amid increased operational efficiencies and surging sales.   The retailer reported a net loss of $33.6 million for the quarter ended July 28, compared to net loss of $35.1 million in the year-ago period. Net sales increased 8.9% to $540.5 million.  

Williams-Sonoma is looking for a few good people — somewhere in the vicinity of 4,000 to be more exact.   The company will hold its first-ever National Hiring Day, on Thursday, Sept. 14, from 2 p.m. - 7 p.m. local time. The event will be held at all Williams-Sonoma branded stores across the U.S. and Canada.  

CVS Pharmacy is rolling out a convenient way for consumers on the go to easily buy necessities.    The drugstore chain on Thursday introduced automated vending machines that will be located in travel hubs and other places and contain such items as over-the-counter health products, better-for-you snacks and popular personal care products. The machines will also be used to showcase products from the company’s exclusive store brands while meeting customers at well-trafficked areas.  

The nation's largest retailer is gearing up for the holidays with the early return of its popular layaway program and stocking up on exclusive toys.    The program went into effect on Sept. 1. Again this year, there is no opening fee for customers to start a layaway account, and they only need to put down 10% (or $10, whichever is greater).   

Gap Inc. is shifting its emphasis to its two best-performing brands — and realigning its store portfolio to reflect its new emphasis.   

Office Depot is positioning itself to remove friction throughout its customers’ shopping experiences.    The office supplies giant is partnering with Elementum, which provides a real-time supply chain platform that unifies procurement, logistics, manufacturing and inventory operations. By leveraging the company’s cloud-based Product Graph solution, Office Depot will gain global visibility across every segment of its business operations.  

Raley’s is helping its customers make more informed food purchasing decisions in-store and online.   Called the Raley’s Shelf Guide, the program features icon-based shelf tags that educate shoppers about current food trends and industry research — and also sets stricter standards for packaged food claims. Overall, the service is creating label transparency when it comes to helping customers understand packaged goods’ ingredients, food processing and nutritional value.  

Starbucks Corp. has named a former Walmart executive as its next COO.   The coffee giant appointed Rosalind Brewer as group president and COO, effective Oct. 2. She is the first woman, and first African American, to hold such a high post at Starbucks.