Store Systems

By Brian Gillespie, Continuum

SECAUCUS, N.J. — Children's Place CFO Michael Scarpa has added COO to his credentials. Scarpa, who oversees finance, information technology, distribution, logistics and wholesale, will add store operations, store development and international to his responsibilities. Scarpa will continue to report to president and CEO Jane Elfers.

It is with great pleasure that I introduce myself to you as the new senior editor of Chain Store Age, focused on covering all the news, trends and happenings in the constantly changing world of retail IT. Technology is evolving at a breakneck pace with major implications for retail. Emerging technology areas such as mobile, social and cloud are changing the very nature of customer experience, while the explosion of Big Data offers both a major challenge and opportunity for retailers that can successfully harness the immense of volume of information that is now available.

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Family Dollar is utilizing TAS Unity, a browser-based enterprise market knowledge system designed to aid retail real estate management from Trade Area Systems.

New York -- Another Ron Johnson-appointee and former Apple executive has left J.C. Penney. Ben Fay, who was brought as EVP real estate, store design and development, has left the company, according to the Dallas Morning News. Returning to Penney in an advisory capacity is the chain's former SVP of property development, Tom Clerkin, who took early retirement from the company last year, the report said.

MONTREAL, Canada — LightSpeed, a leading software company that develops tools for retailers to better manage operations and sales across all channels, has launched StoreMaster, a command center that affords retailers complete control over their business. 

When Swann’s opened its 51,000-sq.-ft. freestanding flagship store in Tyler, Texas, it unveiled a new design that takes the 117-year-old furniture retailer and home design consultant to an even higher-end level.

Stamford, Conn.-based Martin Roberts Design completed the $4.4-million Swann’s store, with the objective of elevating both the retailer and its surroundings.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — An armed robber allegedly stole sensitive electronic information on pharmacy customers from a Kmart store in Little Rock, Ark., last month, the mass merchandise retailer said.