Supply Chain & Merchandising

Southeastern Grocers has made a temporary appointment permanent.   The supermarket operator, parent company of Winn-Dixie, Bi-Lo, Fresco y Más, and Harveys, has appointed Anthony Hucker president and CEO, effective immediately. Hucker has served as interim president and CEO since July 1, 2017.  

Increased traffic gave a boost to Kohl's, which reported sales and earnings that topped analysts’ estimates in the second quarter.   The company's net income rose to $208 million, or $1.24 per share, in the quarter ended July 29, from $140 million, or 77 cents per share, in the year-ago period.  

Weak sales made for a rough second quarter for Office Depot.   The retailer said its profit fell to $24 million, or 5 cents a share, short of Wall Street expectations, compared with $210 million, or 38 cents a share, in the year-ago period. (The 2016 quarter included a $250 million fee paid by Staples to Office Depot after Staples abandoned its intent to acquire its rival.)  

Toys "R" Us named Mark Johnson executive VP, U.S. marketplace operations, effective immediately.    Johnson had been serving as interim executive VP, store operations since May. He joined the company in October 2014 as regional director for stores before being promoted to VP of operations, strategy and execution in 2015.   

Despite posting a loss for the second quarter, Wayfair’s brand continues to gain traction and square off against competitors.   For the second quarter ended June 30, the home decor and furnishings e-retailer narrowed its net loss to $38.9 million from $48.3 million in the same period a year ago. It also posted a smaller-than-expected second quarter loss of 26 cents per share, beating analyst expectations of 46 cents per share, according to FactSet.  

Walmart is bullish on big data — especially when it comes to finding ways to better serve its shoppers.   Big data volume continues to grow, but Walmart is using it to the company’s — and its customers’ — advantage. By analyzing the robust information flowing throughout its operations, the discounter has gained a real-time view of workflow across its pharmacy, distribution centers, stores and e-commerce, according to a company blog.   

Amazon is the "best long-term growth story available to investors today." But don't expect the company to generate meaningful profits anytime soon.   That's according to MKM Partners managing director Rob Sanderson who, on Tuesday, raised his price target on the online giant's stock to $1,275 per share, up from $1,095.  

A veteran retailer has joined the executive team of Sally Beauty.   Sally Beauty Holdings has named Carrie McDermott as president of its Sally Beauty operations in the U.S. and Canada, effective August 29, 2017.