OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

Cary, N.C. -- C-store operator The Pantry said Thursday it has named Joe Venezia as senior VP operations for the chain.

Venezia most recently worked at TitleMax, and before that served in regional general manager positions at Wal-Mart.

Austin, Texas -- SecureNet Payment Systems, a leader in payment processing technology, announced it has opened a new technology and innovation center in Austin, Texas, and revealed plans for a client operations center in Silicon Valley, Calif., later this year. SecureNet is expanding its footprint to house its growing staff, attract top talent and continue its close collaboration with clients in providing the most innovative single source/multi-channel solutions in the payments industry.  

New York -- Gap announced that it plans to launch a limited-edition collection for men designed by GQ's six Best New Menswear Designers in America for 2012, starting Sept. 27.

With price points starting at $20 for items such as boxer briefs and ranging up to $348 for such pieces as a leather bomber jacket, the collection will be available at select Gap stores worldwide and online at Gap.com.

Palo Alto, Calif. – Aisle411, a mobile retail navigation service, announced the acquisition of WiLocate’s technology assets to provide precise indoor positioning information, expanding Aisle411’s in-store search and navigation offering. As part of the deal, Aisle411 has also acquired multiple patents pending.

Memphis -- Fred’s Super Dollar announced that it is launching a holiday layaway plan featuring no fees and a down payment of only $1. The plan also offers a $5 gift card to customers for every layaway purchase totaling $50 or more.

New York – Emerging consumer buying trends will have significant implications for retailers this holiday season, according to a new survey from Booz & Co.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Walmart and HumanaVitality annunced a first-of-its-kind program called Vitality HealthyFood, whereby Walmart offers a 5% discount on produce items to HumanaVitality members. The discount is loaded on a card in the form of a credit within five business days that can be redeemed on a subsequent trip to Walmart.

Atlanta -- RedPrairie Corp., a global supply chain and retail technology provider, announced that Adidas has gone live with RedPrairie workforce management (WFM) at its Singapore retail locations. Adidas will leverage RedPrairie WFM to increase employee productivity and optimize scheduling to help Adidas deliver optimal customer service to Singapore consumers.