Logistics

In a study of the returns and refunds performance of the 25 largest online retailers, StellaService found that the majority of retailers evaluated aren’t meeting consumer expectations.

StellaService analysts ordered the same product from each retailer to be delivered to the three separate regions of East, West and Midwest. They then returned the product, tracking metrics such as the presence of a prepaid, adhesive return label, total time to receive a return authorization and refund speed. The average refund speed of was 10.7 days.

New York -- In a study of the returns and refunds performance of the 25 largest online retailers, StellaService found that the majority of retailers evaluated aren’t meeting consumer expectations.

StellaService analysts ordered the same product from each retailer to be delivered to the three separate regions of East, West and Midwest. They then returned the product, tracking metrics such as the presence of a prepaid, adhesive return label, total time to receive a return authorization and refund speed. The average refund speed of was 10.7 days.

Kenco, a leading provider of integrated logistics solutions, real estate services, and material handling equipment, has named Frazer Middleton as chief information officer.
 
In this newly created role, Middleton will direct the technology strategy of the company and lead the IT team to enhance performance and functionality. Middleton will also focus on opportunities to expand Kenco’s technological capabilities.
 

Gary Maxwell has joined the Supply Chain Management Research Center as an executive in residence.

Maxwell retired from Walmart last year after serving as SVP of the global business process team. He held a variety of senior supply chain and logistics roles at Walmart after joining the company in 1999 from the now defunct regional discount chain Caldor. Since his retirement, Maxwell launched Maxwell Value Chain, to provide replenishment and supply chain services to retail suppliers.

New Orleans — Smoothie King Franchises has announced that it is targeting Atlanta for franchise expansion. The company, which will unveil its new store design next month in South Florida, plans to open 25 new locations in the Atlanta region over the next five years.

Fort Wayne, Ind. -- Do it Best Corp. announced that VP of retail logistics John Snider will retire, effective June 30, 2014. The company’s VP of marketing, Tim Miller, will move into the role.

Colorado Springs, Colo. -- Accellos, Inc. has released multiple updates to Mile.com, a website dedicated the transportation industry and Prophesy Transportation Solutions. The new website features enhanced content including industry white papers, case studies and videos.

In addition, the new site includes the free commercial mileage tool, Prophesy webMiler.

Miami -- Publix Super Markets will open a 49,000-sq.-ft. supermarket and pharmacy to anchor Terra Group’s latest retail center development, Doral Commons in Doral, Fla. The 140,000-sq.-ft. center is located in one of the fastest growing residential areas of Miami Dade County.

Courtelis Company represented Terra Group in the lease negotiation with Publix and will continue to represent the company in the leasing of the remaining available space in Doral Commons.