News Briefs

T-Mobile is packaging its nationwide 5G business internet with Cisco Meraki devices and cloud-managed networking platform.

The new joint solution, managed by T-Mobile and called Connected Workplace, is designed to enable medium-sized retail businesses to easily assemble a complete connectivity stack connecting technology including POS systems, video surveillance and Internet of Things (IoT) applications.

T-Mobile includes installation, software licensing and 5G gateway and Wi-Fi access point device upgrades every three years at no additional cost. Specific features include:

• Unlimited nationwide business internet, supported by the T-Mobile 5G network.
• Managed services, including design and onsite installation, 5G gateway and Wi-Fi access point device upgrades and software license renewals, 24x7 proactive performance monitoring of network and connected devices, unlimited same day configuration changes, and 24x7 support with onsite equipment repair or replacement.
• Cisco Meraki cloud-managed networking solutions, including 5G gateways, access point, switches, IoT sensors and smart cameras.
• Cloud-managed security provided by Cisco Meraki firewall.
• Cisco Meraki dashboard access for cloud-based network management. 

"Anytime we introduce a new solution, we build it to address critical business challenges, make things easier and deliver the best value for our customers," said Mishka Dehghan, senior VP, strategy, product, and solutions engineering, T-Mobile Business Group. "With Connected Workplace, we’ve brought together Cisco best-in-class Meraki network technologies with our award-winning 5G network to make it easier for businesses to streamline their network infrastructure, ease the burden on IT and improve operations."

[Read more: T-Mobile supports retail enterprise with 5G technology]

Southeastern Grocers Inc. (SEG) has shed one of its banner.

The company has completed the divestiture of Fresco y Más to the Coral Gables, Fla.-based Fresco Retail Group, specializing in the food and grocery industries. The 28 Fresco y Más stores will continue to operate under the same name.

As previously announced in August, SEG entered into definitive agreements with Aldi and Fresco Retail Group to effectuate a comprehensive strategic divestiture of its businesses. Under the proposed merger agreement, Aldi will acquire all outstanding SEG capital stock in an all-cash transaction, which encompasses all SEG grocery operations under the Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie banners.

EG currently anticipates that the proposed merger with Aldi will be completed in the first half of 2024. The company will continue to operate its Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores up to and until the transactions are completed. This includes approximately 400 stores in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida where 75% of the stores are located.

“The successful sale of Fresco y Más marks an important milestone on our path forward,” said Anthony Hucker, President and CEO of Southeastern Grocers. "As we continue to lead our Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie stores, we remain focused on being the Most Preferred Grocer in the Neighborhood and delivering an exceptional grocery shopping experience complete with the quality, service and value our customers and communities have come to expect.”

Target Corp. is looking to establish itself as a one-stop-shop for all things welleness. 

The retailer announced it is introducing more than 1,000 new wellness-related products , including hundreds exclusive to Target. The lineup runs the gamut from gummy supplements, hydration boosters and non-alcoholic beverages to skincare, workout apparel and the latest tech, with prices starting at $1.99. It also includes new line of beauty and wellness essentials from Goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow.

In addition, the retailer has launched an online wellness destination on Target.com with ideas, products,  meal inspirations and deals.

In store, Target will feature an upfront curated assortment of top wellness-related items across various categories, including All in Motion activewear in colors that match athe retailer’s exclusive assortment of Stanley Tumblers and Bala Bangles. Prominent displays of other top wellness brands will be located throughout the store, including in the health and beauty departments.

“Wellness has been redefined to encompass a more holistic way of living — and it's also different for every person," said Rick Gomez, executive VP and chief food, essentials and beauty officer, Target. "That's why Target is delivering like no other retailer, offering guests the ultimate destination to support their wellness journey, whether that's enjoying a non-alcoholic beverage from Sechey or stocking up on Bloom to get their daily greens.”

Academy Sports and Outdoors has named a new supply chain leader.

The sporting goods and outdoor recreation retailer has appointed Robert (Rob) Howell to the role of senior VP and chief supply chain officer, effective in February. He succeeds Sherry Harriman, who recently left Academy to pursue other opportunities.

Howell joins Academy from wholesale restaurant food distributor giant Sysco Corp., where he spent nearly 20 years in various supply chain, logistics, and merchandising leadership roles. Most recently, he served as chief supply chain strategy officer and led global supply chain strategy and transformation initiatives, including the development of omnichannel capabilities across the supply chain, network strategies for multiple countries, and customized supply chain solutions for large customers.

Prior to Sysco, Howell held roles at CSC Consulting and Randalls Food Market/Tom Thumb. In his new role at Academy, he will oversee supply chain operations, distribution centers, and domestic & international logistics. He report to Academy president Sam Johnson.

"Rob is a proven leader with a record of driving strategic initiatives and optimizing operations to achieve supply chain excellence and cost savings, which will be valuable to Academy as we execute on our long-term growth initiative to leverage and scale our supply chain function to enable industry leading growth,” Johnson said.

Academy operates 282 full-line sporting goods and outdoor recreation stores across 18 states.

The chief executive of Tilly’s has stepped down following a softer than anticipated holiday season. 

The teen apparel and footwear retailer said that Ed Thomas has retired as president, CEO and a company director.  He has served in the position since October 2014. Prior to that, Thomas; was chief executive of The Wet Seal, from 2014 to 2015, and from 2007 to 2011.

Earlier this month, Tilly’s cut its fiscal fourth-quarter guidance following a 7.4% decline in total sales and a 9% drop in comparable sales during the holiday season, with store comps down 12.3%.

“On behalf of the board of directors and everyone at Tillys, I sincerely thank Ed for his many valuable contributions and leadership during his tenure at Tillys, and wish him continued success in his future endeavors,” said Hezy Shaked, co-Founder and executive chairman of the board.

Shaked has been appointed to serve as Tilly’s interim president and CEO until a successor is in place. 

“As the company’s co-founder and former president and chief executive officer, Mr. Shaked has an in-depth knowledge and understanding of all facets of the company’s business and has developed extensive professional relationships during his over 40 years of experience in the retail industry, “ Tilly’s said in a company release.

The companyis headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and currently operates 251 stores across 33 states.

Walmart is updating the two parts that make up the pay of its store managers: base pay and annual wages.

With regard to base pay, the  retail giant said it is simplifying and increasing store manager wages. With this investment and upcoming annual increases, the average salary of the store manager will go from $117,000 to $128,000 a year.

Walmart is also redesigning its store manager bonus program. In addition to sales, the store’s profit will play a bigger role in calculating the annual bonus. 

“If you hit all targets, your bonus could now be up to 200% of your base salary,” stated Cedric Clark, executive VP, store operations, Walmart U.S., in a note that was sent to Walmart U.S. store managers.

“This investment is about belief,” Clark said. “We believe in you. We believe you’re the keepers of our culture today while you’re also helping to identify and grow the future leaders of our company.” 

Walmart is making the new investment following last year’s increase in starting pay for stores. As a result of the investments in front-line hourly associates and upcoming annual increases, the U.S. average hourly wage at Walmart will soon exceed $18, the company said.

Clark noted that most Walmart store managers  — approximately 75% of its field management teams — began their careers with the company in the hourly ranks.  Clark himself started as a sporting goods hourly associate in Washington state.