Supply Chain & Merchandising

Nashville, Tenn. - Asurion Retail Solutions has rolled out Solution Hub, an online platform providing consumers transparency and control of the post-purchase service experience. Solution Hub, customizable to reflect retail brands, offers consumers an end-to-end solution for filing claims, scheduling in-home repairs, and choosing the best fulfillment option for certain product categories.

Keurig Green Mountain and The Coca Cola Company have expanded their agreement to include select beverages from Coca Cola’s still brands portfolio in the Keurig hot brewing system in the United States and Canada. As such, Honest Tea will be the first brand from The Coca Cola Company available in K-Cup packs.

San Francisco -- Costco Wholesale Corp. agreed to pay a $335,000 in penalties federal Clean Air Act violations, according to a settlement announced Wednesday by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Justice. In addition, the retailer will fix refrigerant leaks and make other improvements at 274 of its stores, which EPA estimates will cost about $2 million over the next three years.

Boca Raton, Fla. - Office Depot Inc. has been awarded a $100 million-plus contract for office supplies and other office solutions by Corporate United following a competitive solicitation process. The new agreement with Office Depot includes office supplies, furniture, technology products and copy and print services provided at significant discounts and savings to eligible member companies.

Framingham, Mass. – Staples has released a series of enhancements to its omnichannel experience. The enhancements include the new Visa Checkout digital payment service, the ability to buy products online and pick them up in-store within hours, new in-store kiosks, and, Staples’ first iPad app.

Meijer is preparing to hire thousands of new employees for its stores as the growing company prepares for the fall and holiday selling seasons, announced Janet Emerson, EVP of operations for the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer.

"Meijer is always looking for good people," Emerson said. "Our continued growth provides a great opportunity to find new team members who will help deliver on the Meijer promise of providing exceptional customer service."

By Chris Stoneff, Lieberman Software

My experience in cyber security tells me that the retail sector probably represents the most fertile ground for cyber criminals. That's because professional hackers understand that retail has never focused on IT security to the extent seen in other industries (like banks or payment processors) that handle customer payment card data.

Staples has enhanced its omnichannel offerings, enabling small business owners to buy products online and pick them up in stores within hours, pay online via Visa Checkout, use in-store kiosks and download and use a dedicated iPad app.