OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

Chelmsford, Mass. -- Workforce management solution-provider Kronos Inc. said Tuesday that Wokingham, U.K.-based Sainsbury’s has selected the Kronos solution to control labor costs and improve workforce productivity.

The Kronos solution will manage the time and attendance and scheduling of more than 150,000 associates in more than1,000 locations across the United Kingdom.

Prior to selecting Kronos, Sainsbury’s managed time and attendance and scheduling through a blend of manual and partially automated processes.

Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. -- Redbox Automated Retail, a division of Coinstar, announced Tuesday it has renewed its agreement with Walmart to continue featuring Redbox kiosks at more than 3,700 Walmart locations nationwide.

The agreement extends the availability of Redbox kiosks and builds upon the companies' more than five-year relationship, said Redbox.

The first Redbox kiosks were installed in Walmart stores in 2006.
 

New York City -- A survey released Tuesday by Accenture showed that when it comes to customer loyalty, poor service can cause customers to abandon one company in favor of another.

The Accenture Global Consumer Survey found that 66% of consumers switched companies – including wireless phone, cable and utilities – as a result of poor customer service in 2011, even as their satisfaction with the services provided by those companies rose overall.

Boca Raton, Fla. -- Office Depot announced Tuesday the release of its 2011 Corporate Citizenship Report, highlighting its commitment to business, ethics, diversity, environmental sustainability and community.

Highlights of the report include diversity initiatives such as its Historically Underutilized Businesses catalog, which features products by businesses owned by minorities, women, the disabled and veterans; its ranking as the greenest retailer in America; and its compliance training initiatives.

York, Pa. -- Following recent news that Bon-Ton Stores president and CEO Bud Bergren would be stepping down and succeed by former Lord & Taylor CEO Brendan Hoffman, the retailer said Tuesday that, effective Feb. 7, Bergen will become chairman of the board.

Hoffman will become a director of the company. Former executive chairman, who recently resigned that title, will remain on the board as strategic initiatives officer.

Pleasanton, Calif. -- Safeway Inc. named Lori Raya as president of its Vons division.

In her most recent position as senior VP, Main Meal, Raya had responsibility for the company's largest portfolio of center-store business units including ingredients, beverages and snacks.

Paris -- Carrefour, the second largest retailer in the world after Wal-Mart Stores, has selected French retailing veteran Georges Plassat, 62, as its next CEO and chairman.

Birmingham, Ala. -- Hibbett Sports announced that Gary A. Smith, senior VP and CFO is retiring effective June 1, 2012. The company has started a search for his replacement.

Smith joined Hibbett in April 2001 as VP and CFO when the company had 282 stores in 19 states, predominantly in the Southeast. Today, Hibbett has over 800 stores in 26 states.