OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

San Francisco -- The Gymboree Corp. and procurement management firm LogicSource announced Thursday an agreement under which LogicSource will provide procurement and management expertise to deliver cost savings to Gymboree.

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Armonk, N.Y. -- A survey released Thursday by IBM found that chief marketing officers and chief information officers must join forces in order to connect with today’s consumer across new channels including mobile devices and social networks.

Secaucus, N.J. -- The Children’s Place announced that Eric Bauer left the company, effective June 19, 2012. President and CEO Jane Elfers will resume oversight of retailer’s supply chain, store operations, finance, information technology and real estate functions.

Elfers said: “We thank Eric for his contributions and wish him well in his future endeavors.”
 

New York -- Dunkin’ Donuts said Tuesday that New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning will partner with the retailer on a series of advertisements and promotions in the New York metro area over the next three years.
 
To kick off the partnership, Manning will star in a series of Dunkin' Donuts advertisements that will launch during the upcoming football season.
 

Minneapolis -- Target Corp. has launched four new corporate responsibility goals, including a commitment to making at least 50 owned-brand packaging designs more sustainable by the end of fiscal year 2016. Target’s new goals were announced in conjunction with the release of its 2011 Corporate Responsibility Report.

New York -- Macy’s Herald Square has extended its shopping hours to make it easier for shoppers while the flagship undergoes its extensive, four-year renovation.

Starting Monday, the store opens at 9 a.m., instead of 10 a.m., Monday through Friday. The Saturday and Sunday schedule remains the same, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., respectively. 
 

New York -- Saks Fifth Avenue has launched a talent acquisition page on Facebook. The new “Careers at Saks” Facebook page will allow prospective job applicants to interact directly with Saks Fifth Avenue’s talent acquisition team, search available positions and keep up with Saks Fifth Avenue. The Facebook newsfeed will include “Jobs of the Day,” career and interview tips, and other pertinent updates weekly.

Plano, Texas -- In an announcement that caught the retail industry by surprise, J.C. Penney Co. said that Michael Francis will be leaving the company, effective June 18. Chief executive Ron Johnson will assume direct responsibility and oversight of the company's marketing and merchandising functions.