OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

New York City -- A Friday report by Reuters said that a former Borders Group employee is attempting to represent a class of about 300 Ann Arbor, Mich., workers in suing the bankrupt retailer for not giving proper notice of impending mass layoffs.

Chelmsford, Mass. -- Kronos said Tuesday that its latest Kronos Retail Labor Index, which characterized the current state of the demand and supply sides of the labor market within the U.S. retail sector for the month of August, was unchanged from the month prior. The index, which defines the ratio of hires to applicants within a given month, expressed as a percentage, was unchanged at 3.5% in August 2011, as both hires and applications increased slightly, all on a seasonally adjusted basis.

New York City -- In the wake of the power outages caused by Hurricane Irene and other powerful summer storms, Price Chopper is reviewing its back–up plan and considering buying bigger generators, according to The Business Review.

To read the article, go to bizjournals.com/albany/morning_call/2011/09/more-bigger-generators-may-be-in.html
 

Toronto -- Blockbuster Canada Co. is winding down operations. Grant Thornton Ltd., the receiver in charge of selling the chain, announced that it is seeking a court order to shut down the company’s remaining 253 stores.

The accounting firm was appointed receiver for the video chain in May.  In June, it shuttered about 150 underperforming Blockbuster outlets, and began the hunt for a buyer for the remaining outlets. But Grant Thornton said it has been unable to find a suitable buyer.
 

Issaquah, Wash. -- Jim Sinegal, the much-admired CEO and co-founder of Costco Wholesale Corp., plans to step down effective Jan. 1. The chain said its board has elected the company's current president and COO, Craig Jelinek, to succeed Sinegal.

“Costco has a very strong culture and a deep bench of management talent," said Sinegal. "I have total confidence in Craig's ability to handle his new responsibilities and feel we are fortunate as a company to have an executive of his caliber to succeed me as chief executive of Costco."

Indianapolis -- The Finish Line has invested $8.5 million to acquire an 18-store chain of specialty running shops with locations in Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Texas. The stores operate under banners such as Greater Boston Running Co., Texas Running Co., Georgetown Running Co., Princeton Running Company, New York Running Co. and others.

Boston -- High-end wedding dress maker and retailer Priscilla of Boston said Wednesday it will close at the end of the year. Its 19 store locations were shuttered on Wednesday, and its brands, which include Jewel by Priscilla of Boston and Platinum For Priscilla of Boston, also will be discontinued.

"After nearly 65 years of serving some of America's most beautiful brides, we have made the difficult decision to close our salons after a thorough review of the business environment," the company said in a statement.

City of Industry, Calif. -- Hot Topic announced that two new executives have joined the company, Don Hendricks as CIO and Jeff Allison as senior VP planning and allocation.

Hendricks, who will lead all information technology for Hot Topic, most recently served as CIO at Gymboree Corp.

Allison, will lead the merchandise planning and allocation teams for both the Hot Topic and Torrid brands, most recently served as senior VP planning and allocation for Chico’s FAS.