Supply Chain & Merchandising

By Akhilesh Srivastava, [email protected]

Redwood Shores, Calif. -- Kohl’s Department Stores has selected Oracle Retail Merchandising, Planning and Supply Chain solutions to seamlessly integrate core retail operations across the company’s 1,146 stores nationwide. The solutions will provide Kohl’s with an integrated, scalable retail suite of applications to streamline merchandising and planning while enabling its multi-channel growth strategy.

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — Staples is bringing its branded products to Japan through a wholesale distribution relationship with Jointex, a leading office products wholesaler and division of Plus Corp., a manufacturer of stationery and office furniture based in Tokyo.

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa.  — Ikea reported that sales for its fiscal year 2012 grew by 9.5% and profits were up 8% to $4.2 billion, thanks to its model of offering low-cost, functional furniture. Comparable-store sales were up 8% at its U.S. stores.

Phoenix -- PetSmart on Tuesday announced its planned management succession plan. The company said that following its annual shareholders meeting on June 14, 2013, current president and COO David K. Lenhardt will be promoted to CEO and simultaneously join the board of directors. At that time, current chairman and CEO Bob Moran will vacate the CEO's chair and become executive chairman.

New York -- Wegmans has confirmed plans to open a store in Alexandria, Va., in 2014, according to Washington Business Journal.

The store will be located in Hilltop Village, which is being developed by Houston-based Weingarten Realty Investors. The project will feature some 250,000 sq. ft. of retail, anchored by the 143,000-sq.-ft. Wegmans, and 100,000 sq. ft. of office.

Dallas -- Tuesday Morning Corp. announced the appointment of John C. Rossler as executive VP, COO, effective immediately.

Rossler has been serving as an executive advisor to Tuesday Morning since October, 2012, and his focus has been primarily on operational efficiencies, including overall cost control, supply chain and real estate.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores is tightening the reins on its global suppliers. Effective March 1, the retailer is implementing a "zero tolerance" policy for any supplier who subcontracts work to factories without the company’s knowledge, the Associated Press reported. Previously, Wal-Mart gave suppliers three chances to correct mistakes.

As part of the new rules, Wal-Mart will require all factories in Bangladesh to undergo an electrical and building safety assessment from an independent agency.