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Nordstrom Inc. is expanding its supply chain management team.

Brent Beabout

 

The Container Store has embarked on an initiative to optimize Web performance, the online shopper experience, and strengthen its Web security.   Looking to significantly increase revenue from desktop, tablet, and mobile channels following a responsive web design launch, the company tapped Yottaa, selecting its online platform following a rigorous evaluation of multiple Web acceleration offerings, including in-depth performance benchmark testing.   

As margin pressures increase, more retailers are adopting new supply chain technologies to streamline operations and remain competitive.   Specifically, nearly three-quarters (74%) of top retail executives in procurement said that supply chain technology can provide a significant competitive edge, according to the inaugural Retail Pulse survey from C2FO.   

Ikea has completed the installation of one of the largest solar rooftops in Ohio.   The solar panel installation is atop the retailer’s future store in Columbus, Ohio, due to open in summer 2017. The 213,000-sq.-ft. solar array consists of a 1.21 MW system, built with 3,546 panels, and will produce approximately 1,447,700 kWh of electricity annually for the store, the equivalent of reducing 1,017 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2).  

Walmart is going on the offense as German grocery giant Lidl prepares to enter the United States this summer.   The discounter has rolled out a new prototype for its Neighborhood Market grocery-store concept in a handful of markets nationwide.   

Rent-A-Center Inc. has taken action to reduce the likelihood that an investor gains unsolicited control of the company.   The nation's largest rent-to-own operator has adopted a stockholder rights plan, or a so-called poison pill, that would become exercisable if a group buys 15% or more of its outstanding shares.  

A Publix Super Markets associate who started his career with the company as a part-time meat cutter has been named VP of real estate strategy.   Publix promoted Bob Balcerak to the top real estate post, effective April 3, 2017. As VP, he will oversee the selection of new sites and management of leased properties for Publix stores.     

The way has been cleared for retailers to challenge swipe fees in the coming years.    The Supreme Court on Monday declined to reinstate a class-action lawsuit settlement that would have blocked merchants from challenging Visa and MasterCard over credit card swipe fees.    

Sportsman's Warehouse has named Jon Barker president and COO, effective March 31.   Barker, who holds 25 years of retail experience will direct the marketing, supply chain, operations, compliance and technology functions for Sportsman's Warehouse, and will also lead the expansion of the company's e-commerce business.   

The failure of President Trump and the Republicans in Congress to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act was shocking enough for business owners but it is the road ahead that should give operators some real heartburn.