OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

Arlington, Va. -- The Retail Industry Leaders Association said Thursday that it will hold the first-ever Labor and Employment Law Forum on March 21-22, at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

The conference is intended to provide insights from members of Congress, legal experts and retailers on the latest issues on labor and employment law affecting the retail industry.

Dallas -- Zale Corp. announced that Ken Brumfield has been appointed senior VP financial products. In this role, he will be responsible for all customer financing, warranty, insurance and repair product offerings.

Cincinnati -- Macy’s Inc. announced that Peter Sachse, the company's chief marketing officer and chairman of Macys.com, will succeed Ron Klein as chief stores officer, effective Feb. 13. Klein will retire from Macy's effective March 31, after 36 years with the company.

Martine Reardon, executive VP marketing, will succeed Sachse as Macy’s chief marketing officer, effective Feb. 13.

Chelmsford, Mass. -- A report released Thursday by Kronos Inc. showed that hiring conditions among retailers are tightening, suggesting an improvement in the industry.

New York City -- Ann Inc. said that the president of its Ann Taylor brand, Christine Beauchamp, is leaving to pursue other opportunities. She will be replaced by Brian Lynch, who had been president of the Ann Taylor Factory and Loft Outlet divisions and led the website sales for those brands.

The news came as the chain cut its revenue prediction for the quarter that ended in January to a level below analyst expectations, citing slumping sales at its Ann Taylor stores. 

Portland, Ore. -- Fred Meyer Jewelers, the nation’s third-largest fine jewelry retailer, announced the launch of mobile websites for its namesake and Littman Jewelers brand. The sites are optimized for mobile devices including iPhone and Android smartphones.

Fred Meyer Jewelers has partnered with Moovweb to create the mobile enabled websites. The mobile websites serve as a complement to the regular sites with functional ecommerce capability.

Little Rock, Ark. -- Dillard’s said Wednesday it has made a strategic investment in e-commerce company Acumen Brands in a move toward enhancing the department store retailer’s website dillards.com, as well as Acumen’s 12 e-commerce sites.

Redmond, Wash. -- PlayNetwork on Wednesday announced a partnership with restaurant and entertainment chain Dick's Last Resort, to provide original video, social engagement and custom music programs.

PlayNetwork said it is producing "Dick's TV," which features a lineup of original programming and product promotions.