Supply Chain & Merchandising

Seattle – Slightly more than half (51%) of retailers do not have a plan for responding to security breaches. According to a new study conducted by Microsoft, “Security Trends for Retail Services,” almost three-quarters (72%) of retailers do not have budgeted disaster recovery plans.

Staples this week debuted eight new product categories in its Dallas retail stores to help business customers “Make More One-stop Shopping Happen.” The product expansion is rolling out to more than 1,000 stores across the U.S. and hundreds more in Canada.

Scottsdale, Ariz. -- JDA Software Group, a leading provider of supply chain, manufacturing planning, retail planning, store operations and collaborative category management solutions, announced that CEO Hamish Brewer is leaving the company. Baljit (Bal) Dail, a technology executive who has served as JDA’s chairman since May 2013, has been named interim CEO, effective immediately. Dail will lead the search for a permanent successor.
 

By Ron Chan, director of marketing, Posiflex USA

Speakers at the recent Momentum 2014 conference held by Manhattan Associates in Hollywood, Florida, discussed a wide variety of supply chain topics. However, one theme that ran through many sessions was the expanded range of competition retailers face from a multitude of sources and channels. Properly meeting this competition requires a rethinking and broadening of supply chain strategy.

DSW has closed on its acquisition of Town Shoes Limited, the largest footwear and accessories retailer in Canada, for $68.7 million (USD) in cash. DSW acquired a 49.2% interest in Town Shoes from certain clients of Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo) and other minority shareholders.

DSW's initial stake provides 50% voting control and board representation equal to the primary remaining shareholder, Callisto Capital. Peter J. Solomon Company served as financial advisor to DSW Inc.

The Hillshire Brands Company is about to expand its already robust portfolio of brands — which includes Jimmy Dean, Hillshire Farm, Birds Eye, Ball Park, Duncan Hines, Vlasic, Wish-Bone, State Fair, Sara Lee frozen bakery, Mrs. Butterworth's and Log Cabin — with the acquisition of Pinnacle Foods in a cash and stock transaction for approximately $6.6 billion.

New York - Worthy has launched a secure online marketplace for the sale of pre-owned luxury goods to a network of qualified buyers that encourages multiple bids and optimal spot market prices. Sellers go online to Worthy.com and submit a description and image of the item they wish to sell.