Store Systems

Wal-Mart Stores is reportedly losing its top technology executive.    Karenann Terrell will step down as CIO of Wal-Mart on February 24, the Wall Street Journal reported. Terrell has served in the position for nearly five years.     The retailer, which did not say where Terrell is headed, expects to announce new leadership in technology “shortly,” according to the report.      

FedEx Corp. and Walgreens on Wednesday announced a long-term alliance agreement that will offer convenient access to FedEx dropoff and pickup services at thousands of Walgreens locations across the United States beginning within the next several months.  

Chain Store Age presents its third annual “Top 10 Women in Retail Technology ” report, which showcases the achievements of an influential group of technology executives. The professionals in the class of the 2017 — profiled below in no particular order — exemplify the innovation and leadership needed to suceed in today’s fast-changing retail environment. They share a record of success that is worthy of emulation by all their peers.

Target is bringing back its retail accelerator program for a second round.   On the heels of the first Target + Techstars retail accelerator, the retailer said it has opened applications for a second round of the program yesterday, inviting retail-specific tech startups worldwide to apply for a chance to relocate to Minneapolis and embed themselves at Target.  

The founder of Rent-A-Center has returned to lead the company while it looks for a new CEO.   The nation's largest rent-to-own operator said that Robert D. Davis has resigned as CEO and director, effective immediately. A 23-year company veteran, Davis was named CEO in February 2014 after holding a variety of management positions.  

With an eye on customer engagement, 7-Eleven is upgrading its point-of-sale fleet chainwide.   7-Eleven entered into an agreement with NEC, making the technology company its exclusive POS provider. Overall, 8,600 7-Eleven stores throughout the United States and Canada will be outfitted with the TwinPOS G5100, a POS system that also features a sleek, durable customer display to run promotions, share information, and create a personalized shopping experience.  

Nordstrom has added the title of chief innovation officer to its executive team.   The department store retailer named company veteran Geevy Thomas to the new position. Thomas, who most recently served as president of Nordstrom Rack, brings 34 years of experience in all areas of Nordstrom to this role, beginning as a salesperson and then moving into store, regional and buying management roles.   

In keeping with its fast-paced growth, Petco is starting the new year by celebrating the grand re-opening of 14 remodeled stores in Los Angeles.    Last year, Petco expanded its retail presence nationwide by opening 71 new stores and one new Unleashed by Petco store, remodeling 41 stores and expanding five stores.     Fourteen Petco stores will celebrate grand re-openings on Jan. 13-15.