OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

Online giant expands its fulfillment network in Michigan
Amazon is further bolstering its presence in The Wolverine State. The online giant will open a new, 1 million sq. ft. fulfillment center in Shelby, Michigan. The building is set to open in 2018. The warehouse will focus on picking, packing and shipping large items, like household decor, sporting equipment and gardening tools. These operations will be managed by approximately 1,000 associates, according to Amazon.
Holiday hiring outlook for retail looks positive
Early signs from retailers indicate a hot job market for workers this holiday season. Despite store closures and consolidation within the industry, retailers are signaling that there might be high demand for seasonal jobs, according to a forecast from global outplacement and executive coaching firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas.

Discounter swaps out Apple devices for Android on its sales floor

Target associates are using new devices to complete their daily tasks. After using iPod Touches for the last three years to manage stock, pull items, and handle other essential sales floor duties, Target is now putting Android devices into its associates’ hands, according to Gizmodo.
Online giant to expand its distribution network in Mexico

Amazon is looking to take advantage of Mexico’s growing e-commerce industry. The online giant is planning to open a 1 million sq. ft. warehouse near Mexico City, according to Reuters. Scheduled to open next year, it would be the company’s third distribution center in the country.
On heels of Equifax incident, retailers cite need for uniform data breach law

The National Retail Federation is once again making the case for a new federal law on data breach notifications. Citing the recent breach at the Equifax credit reporting agency, National Retail Federation and other industry associations are telling Congress that any new federal law on data breach notification should apply to all industries that handle consumer data.
Target ups holiday hiring by 40%

Target Corp. announced a major investment for the holiday shopping season. The discounter said it plans to hire approximately 100,000 employees for the upcoming holiday season, which is up about 40%. Additionally, Target will hire 4,500 workers at the company’s distribution and fulfillment centers to replenish products to stores and fulfill digital sales throughout the season.
Home improvement giants taps Neiman Marcus exec for supply chain post

Lowe’s Cos. has appointed a 20-year retail veteran to lead supply chain field processes Michael West will join Lowe's as senior VP of supply chain field operations, effective Sept. 25. He will report to chief supply chain officer Brent G. Kirby. West joins Lowe's from Neiman Marcus, where he served on the company's leadership team as senior VP, supply chain. He led distribution, transportation and fulfillment for all brands in the Neiman Marcus Group.
Report: Walmart reorganizing U.S. store ops

Walmart is simplifying its U.S. business as it looks to respond more quickly to the accelerating pace of change in the retail industry. The discounter is consolidating its six divisional groups into four and its 44 U.S. regional groups to 36, reported Bloomberg.
Restaurant lets customers pay using their face

A new restaurant concept gives customers an easy — and high-tech way — to pay for their meal without having to take out their wallet or even their smartphone.
Walmart pledges up to $30 million in hurricane relief, Target raises commitment

Walmart is stepping up its hurricane relief efforts. The discount giant announced that it will donate up to $10 million in additional support for 2017 hurricane relief efforts in the United States, a move that will bring Walmart’s total commitment to hurricane relief efforts this year to $30 million. This additional support comes on the heels of donations already provided in response to Hurricane Harvey that hit the Gulf region less than three weeks ago.